Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information Schedule of consolidating balance sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of consolidating statement of cash flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Progress amounts for satellite construction, including prepayments under capital leases and launch services costs Progress Amounts For Satellite Construction Including Prepayments Under Capital Leases And Launch Costs [Member] Represents information pertaining to Progress amounts for satellite construction including prepayments under capital leases and launch costs. Satellite related equipment Uplinking And Gateway Equipment [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Uplinking and Gateway equipment satellite. Other Construction In Progress Other [Member] Represents the information pertaining to other constructions in process. Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Investments [Abstract] Fair Value 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 Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Hughes Systique Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Dish Mexico Dish Mexico [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Deluxe Deluxe Echo Star L L C [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Deluxe /EchoStar LLC. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] HCI Hughes Communications, Inc. [Member] Represents information pertaining to Hughes Communications, Inc. Related party transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Amount agreed to be funded under term loan facility Related Party Transaction Amount Agreed to be Funded under Term Loan Facility Represents the amount agreed to be funded under the term loan facility. Amount funded Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties Interest rate Related Party Transaction, Rate Loan repayment Repayments of Related Party Debt Remaining balance of loan Notes Payable, Related Parties Ownership interest in related party Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Ownership interest percentage by related party Percentage Ownership in Variable Interest Entity by Other Related Parties Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties. Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Receivables from related parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Account receivable balance due Due from Related Parties, Current Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Tabular disclosure of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the company. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Contract-based Contractual Rights [Member] Technology-based Developed Technology Rights [Member] Trademark portfolio Trademarks [Member] Favorable leases Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Weighted Average Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Trade accounts receivable Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Contracts in process, net Accounts Receivable Contracts In Process [Member] Amounts due from customers or clients for contracts in process. Trade accounts receivable Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Total trade accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Total trade accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Progress billings offset against contracts in process Billed Contracts Receivable Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in progress Schedule of Construction in Progress [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in progress. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Senior Secured Notes6.50 Percent Due2019 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 Senior Notes7.625 Percent Due2021 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. Other Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Unamortized debt issuance costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest Rates Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Effective Interest Rates Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Carrying Amount Long-term Debt, Gross Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total debt and capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less: Current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Purchase price as a percent of the aggregate principal 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. Beneficial ownership percentage required to avoid Change of Control Beneficial Ownership Percentage Required To Avoid A Change Of Control Beneficial Ownership Percentage Required To Avoid A Change Of Control Offering period after Change of Control Change Of Control, Offering Period Change Of Control, Offering Period Minimum offering amount per holder in Change of Control Change Of Control, Required Offering Amount Per Holder, Minimum Change Of Control, Required Offering Amount Per Holder, Minimum Integral multiple to add to excess of the minimum offering per holder in Change of Control Change Of Control, Required Offering Amount Per Holder, Amount Of Integral Multiple To Add To Excess Of Minimum Change Of Control, Required Offering Amount Per Holder, Amount Of Integral Multiple To Add To Excess Of Minimum Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Services and other revenue - other Sales Revenue, Services, Net Services and other revenue - DISH Network Services and Other Revenue, Related Party Services and other revenue - Related Party. Equipment revenue - other Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Equipment revenue - DISH Network Equipment Revenue, Related Party Equipment revenue related party. Total revenue Revenue, Net Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Services Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Net Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Expense Gains on marketable investment securities Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense, net Total Nonoperating Income (Expense), Interest And Debt Expense, and Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Represents, in the aggregate, total other income (expense), including but not limited to: income or (expense) from ancillary business-related activities; interest and debt related expenses associated with nonoperating financing activities of the entity; and the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied, which includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax provision, net Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to HSS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to HSS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Satellite-related obligations Satellite Related Obligation [Member] Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Satellite-related obligations Contractual Obligation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Table] Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Table] HSS Parent Company [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Satellite And Tracking Stock Transaction [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. DISH Network D I S H Network [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Hughes Retail Group Hughes Retail Group [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Line Items] Percentage of economic interest held Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Represents the percentage of economic interest held an entity. Equity [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Preferred Tracking Stock [Member] 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. Statement Statement [Line Items] Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars) Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties, Current Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties Current. Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment 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 Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of other intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Supplemental Guarantor an Non-Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of marketable investment securities and investments in unconsolidated entities Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] EchoStar Majority Shareholder [Member] EchoStar Operating EchoStar Operating L.L.C. [Member] EchoStar Operating L.L.C. [Member] Telesat Telesat Canada [Member] Represents details pertaining to Telesat Canada. SES Latin America S E S Latin America [Member] Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other noncurrent assets, net Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Ciel Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. EchoStar and HSSC Echo Star And Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Echo Star V I I Echo Star V I I [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VII. Echo Star V I I I Satellite Capacity Leased To DISH Network Echo Star V I I I Satellite Capacity Leased To Dish Network [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar VIII satellite capacity leased to Dish Network. EchoStar XVI Echo Star X V I [Member] Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. Nimiq 5 Agreement Nimiq5 Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement. DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement D I S H Telesat Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement. QuetzSat-1 Transponder Quetz Sat1 Transponder Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. Quetz Sat-1 Agreement Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. Satellite Leasing Service Agreement Satellite Leasing Service Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite leasing service agreement. TT&C Agreement Telemetry Tracking And Control Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the TT and C Agreement. Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. DBSD North America Agreement D B S D North America Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. RUS Implementation Agreement RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement. EchoStar Professional Services Agreement Echo Star Professional Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar Professional Services Agreement. Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Expense recorded for services provided Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Transfer of EchoStar XXIII launch contract from EchoStar to HNS NonCash Or Part NonCash, Transfer Of Contract Represents the information pertaining to transfer of contract in noncash or part noncash transaction. Capital contribution from EchoStar Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group Agreement term Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Related party transactions agreement term. 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 agreement. Agreement term from commencement of service date Related Party Transactions Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Term of renewal option Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Additional term of renewal option Related Party Transactions, Agreement Renewal Option Additional Term Represents the additional term of renewal option. Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. 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. Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services subleased back from related party Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Sublease Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving sublease services. Number of satellites transferred Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Represents the number of owned satellites transferred. Proceeds from issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. Automatic renewal period Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period. Ownership interest acquired by related party Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party. Grants receivable by related party Related Party Transactions, Grants Receivable by Related Party Related party transactions, grants receivable by related party. Required minimum notice for termination of individual service Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service. Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Strategic equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Other Other Debt Obligations [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Gains on marketable investment securities Gain (Loss) on Investments [Member] Marketable investment securities and other investments Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Marketable investment securities - current, at fair value: Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Marketable investment securities, at fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Current Marketable investment securities, at fair value Marketable Securities, Equity Securities, Current Marketable investment securities Marketable Securities, Current Dividend income from strategic equity securities Investment Income, Dividend Unrealized holding gain on common stock in trading securities portfolio Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Fair value of trading securities Trading Securities, Equity Investments in unconsolidated entities - noncurrent: Long-term Investments [Abstract] Cost method Cost Method Investments Equity method Equity Method Investments Total investments in unconsolidated entities - noncurrent Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Total marketable investment securities and investments in unconsolidated entities Investments Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for information related to target or tracking stock. Document and Entity Information Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Cumulative foreign currency translation losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Total inventory Inventory, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of revenue, EBITDA, and capital expenditures by operating segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of EBITDA to reported income before income taxes Schedule of Reconciliation of EBITDA to Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of information which reconciles EBITDA to reported income or loss before income taxes. 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] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value measurements on recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair value of marketable securities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Equity securities Total marketable investment securities Marketable Securities Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Gains on marketable investment securities Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Deferred tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchases of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Expenditures for externally marketed software Payments to Develop Software Changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Payment for EchoStar XXI launch services Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Repayment of other debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Advances from affiliates Increase (Decrease) in Due to Affiliates Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Interest Paid Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Gain Value 1 The value of reduction in capital lease obligations and associated gain due to entering into additional capital leases in connection with satellite services agreement during the period. Increase (decrease) in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net Increase (Decrease) In Capital Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred. Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Cost of Sales Cost of Sales [Member] Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2015-03 Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Accounting policy disclosures Accounting Policies [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Amount of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy Fair Value Measurement Asset and Liability Transfers Between Levels Represents the amount of transfers between the levels of fair value hierarchy that have taken place during the period. Orbital incentive obligations Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Research and Development Research and Development Expense [Abstract] Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract] Useful life of the software Software Useful Life Useful life of software that is either acquired, internally developed, or modified to meet the entity's needs. Net carrying amount of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized costs related to development of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Additions Amortization expense relating to externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Unamortized debt issuance costs Trade Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Marketable investment securities, at fair value Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,974 and $11,447, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Inventory Prepaids and deposits Prepaid Expense and Deposits Assets, Current Represents the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. It also represents the carrying value of amounts transferred to third parties for security purposes that are expected to be returned or applied towards payment within one year or during the operating cycle, if shorter. Advances to affiliates, net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Noncurrent Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,229,836 and $2,138,642, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Regulatory authorizations Other Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Investments in unconsolidated entities Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs Advances from affiliates, net Due to Related Parties, Current Deferred revenue and prepayments Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Advances from affiliates Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized: Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock, $0.001 par value; 300 shares authorized, 81.128 shares issued and outstanding at each of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding at each of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total HSS shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of trade accounts receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Trade accounts receivable, net Other current assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Property and equipment, net Investment in subsidiaries Investments in Subsidiaries Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence and (B) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Advances to affiliates Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) Advances from affiliates, net Due to Affiliate, Current Accrued expenses and other Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total HSS shareholders’ equity (deficit) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Land Land [Member] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Furniture Fixtures Equipment And Other [Member] Represents furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property, plant and equipment owned by the entity. Customer rental equipment Customer Rental Equipment [Member] Represents information pertaining to customer rental equipment. Satellites - owned Satellites [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites acquired under capital leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Depreciable Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, net Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net income (loss) Changes in operating assets and liabilities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investment in subsidiary Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Proceeds from capital contribution from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Satellites Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity. Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Number of satellites utilized under operating lease Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Debt Security Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Contractual maturities of debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt securities with contractual maturities of one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities exceeding one year Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented. Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized Software [Policy Text Block] 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. New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Caltech California Institute Of Technology [Member] Represents information pertaining to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Elbit Elbit [Member] Elbit Systems of America Ltd. [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Number of petitions denied Number of Petitions Denied Number of Petitions Denied Number of petitions challenging the validity of a patent Number Of Petitions Challenging The Validity of Certain Patents Represents information pertaining to number of petitions challenging the validity of certain patents. Number of petitions pending Number Of Petitions Pending Number Of Petitions Pending Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Hughes Business Hughes Business Segment [Member] Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. EchoStar Satellite Services Business Echo Star Satellite Services Business [Member] 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. All other and eliminations All Other Segments And Eliminations [Member] Represents information pertaining to segments not specifically identified and intersegment eliminations. Intersegment Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] All Other and Eliminations Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total revenue Capital expenditures EBITDA Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Interest income and expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Depreciation and amortization Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest EBITDA Adjustment Represents the net income attributable to HSS Depreciation expense Depreciation [Abstract] Total depreciation expense Depreciation Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries Represents equity in earnings of guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation. Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Miscellaneous Represents the net amount of other income and expense amounts which have not been itemized or categorized in the footnotes to the financial statements, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Income tax benefit (provision), net Comprehensive Income (Loss): Equity in other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries, net Other Comprehensive Income, Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Arising During Period, Net of Tax Represents the amount after tax, resulting from the earnings from subsidiaries accounted under equity method. EchoStar Echo Star Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar Corporation. Number of satellites received Related Party Transactions Number of Satellites Received Represents the number of satellites received.