Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Remaining performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Remaining performance obligation, as a percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Losses Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Available-For-Sale Securities AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] Other AOCI Attributable To Parent, Other [Member] AOCI Attributable To Parent, Other [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cumulative effect of accounting changes as of January 1, 2018 Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Balance, January 1 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified to net income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending balance Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Contract with customer, asset and liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [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] Satellites Satellites [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Interest costs capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Finance lease amortization expense Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Capital leases amortization expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 (remainder) Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five After 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Finance Leases Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 (remainder) Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five After 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Less: Interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability Total Lease, Payments Due [Abstract] Lease, Payments Due [Abstract] 2019 (remainder) Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder Of Fiscal Year Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder Of Fiscal Year 2020 Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five After 2023 Lease, Liability, Payments, Due After Year Five Lease, Liability, Payments, Due After Year Five Total lease payments Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: Interest Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total lease liabilities Lease, Liability Lease, Liability Lease cost: Lease, Cost [Abstract] Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Finance lease cost: Finance Lease, Cost1 [Abstract] Finance Lease, Cost1 [Abstract] Amortization of right-of-use assets Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Total lease cost Lease, Cost Lease term and discount rate: LeaseTermAndDiscountRate [Abstract] Lease Term And Discount Rate [Abstract] Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): Lessee, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term [Abstract] Lessee, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term [Abstract] Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate: Lessee, Weighted Average Discount Rate [Abstract] Lessee, Weighted Average Discount Rate [Abstract] Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Cash Flow, Operating Activities, Lessee [Abstract] Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Financing cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for lease liability Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability 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 Corporation 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. AsiaSat AsiaSat [Member] AsiaSat [Member] Global IP Revenue Global IP Revenue [Member] Global IP Revenue [Member] TerreStar Solutions, Inc. TerreStar Solutions, Inc. [Member] Information pertaining to TerreStar Solutions, Inc. [Member] Maxar Technologies Inc. Maxar Technologies Inc. [Member] Maxar Technologies Inc. [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Broadband Connectivity Solutions Broadband Connectivity Solutions [Member] Broadband Connectivity Solutions [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Ownership interest in related party (as a percent) Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage by related party Percentage Ownership in Variable Interest Entity by Other Related Parties Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties. Equity interest, percentage in joint venture Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Receivables from related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Payments to acquire equity method investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Ownership percentage in equity method investment (at least) Cost Method Investment Nonvoting Interest Ownership Percentage The percentage of non-voting ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Incurred aggregate costs payable to related party Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Lease assets and liabilities Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Lease cost, weighted average term, discount rates and cash flows Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Operating lease liability maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Finance lease liability maturity Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Sales-type lease revenue Sales-type Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Operating lease revenue Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Operating lease payments received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Property and equipment subject to operating leases Property, Plant And Equipment Subject To Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Property, Plant And Equipment Subject To Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Hughes Hughes Business Segment [Member] Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. ESS EchoStar 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. Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] North America North America [Member] South and Central America South And Central America [Member] South And Central America [Member] All other All Other Geographic Segments [Member] Represents information pertaining to other geographical segments of the entity. Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Equipment Equipment Product [Member] Equipment Product Sales and services Service [Member] Design, development and construction services Services, Design, Development And Construction [Member] Services, Design, Development And Construction [Member] Revenue from sales and services Sales And Services [Member] Sales And Services [Member] Lease revenue Lease Receivable [Member] Lease Receivable [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adoption of ASC 842 Increase (Decrease) Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] 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. Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Accrued expenses and other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] MARKETABLE INVESTMENT SECURITIES Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] EchoStar Technologies segment EchoStar Technologies Business [Member] 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. DISH Network D I S H Network [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Forecast [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Hughes Retail Group Hughes Retail Group [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] 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. Class A common stock Common Class A [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transactions, Lessor, Operating Lease, Real Estate Related Party Transactions, Lessor, Operating Lease, Real Estate [Member] Lease arrangements of real estate properties from reporting entity to related party. Related Party Transactions, Lessee, Operating Lease, Real Estate Related Party Transactions, Lessee, Operating Lease, Real Estate [Member] Lease arrangements of real estate properties from related party to reporting entity. Nimiq5 Nimiq5 [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite Nimiq 15, which is leased from other third parties. QuetzSat-1 QuetzSat-1 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1. Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. EchoStar And Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation EchoStar And Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. S E S Latin America S E S Latin America [Member] Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement. TT&C Agreement TT&C Agreement [Member] TT&C Agreement [Member] Patent Cross-License Agreements Patent Cross License Agreements [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Patent Cross-License Agreements. Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Satellite And Tracking Stock Transaction [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Share Exchange Agreement Share Exchange Agreement [Member] Share Exchange Agreement [Member] Satellite Capacity Lease Agreement Satellite Capacity Lease Agreement [Member] Satellite Capacity Lease Agreement [Member] 100 Inverness Lease Agreement 100 Inverness Lease Agreement [Member] Represent the details pertaining to 100 Inverness Lease Agreement. Meridian Lease Agreement Meridian Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Meridian Lease Agreement. Cheyenne Lease Agreement Cheyenne Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Cheyenne Lease Agreement. TerreStar Agreement TerreStar Agreement [Member] TerreStar Agreement [Member] 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. Hughes Equipment And Service Agreement Hughes Equipment And Service Agreement [Member] Hughes Equipment And Service Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement. American Fork Occupancy License Agreement American Fork Occupancy License Agreement [Member] American Fork Occupancy License Agreement [Member] Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements. Percentage of economic interest held Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Represents the percentage of economic interest held an entity. Agreement term Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Related party transactions agreement term. Number of renewal options Related Party Transactions Agreement, Number Of Renewal Options Related Party Transactions Agreement, Number Of Renewal Options 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 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. 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 receiving certain satellite services from related party Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Sublease Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving sublease services. Minimum termination notice period Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. 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. Proceeds from issuance of stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Sales commissions and fees Sales Commissions and Fees Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement after extension Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement After Lease Extension Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement After Lease Extension Automatic renewal period Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period. Lease renewal term Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term 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. Operating lease contract term Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Term of renewal option Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Required renewal notice Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Notice Required by Reporting Entity Termination notice required Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent) Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party. Stock conversion, numerator (in shares) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued And Issuable, Entity Shares Issued Per Acquiree Share Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued And Issuable, Entity Shares Issued Per Acquiree Share Number of owned satellites transferred Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Represents the number of owned satellites transferred. Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements Aggregate Payment under Agreement Less than Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements. Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised 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. Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract] Stock options and other incentive awards granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items] Allocated share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeiture Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 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. 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 Senior Secured Notes 5.250 Percent Due 2026 [Member] 5.250% Senior Secured Notes Due 2026 [Member] 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 Senior Notes7.625 Percent Due2021 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. 6 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes 6.625 Percent Due 2026 [Member] 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 [Member] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Effective Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Carrying Amount Long-term Debt, Gross Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Carrying amount Long-term Debt Finance lease obligations Finance lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total debt and finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Less: Current portion Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Repurchased debt Payments For Repurchase Of Debt Payments For Repurchase Of Debt Segment Reporting [Abstract] Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] BSS Business BSS Business [Member] BSS Business [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member] All Other Segments And Eliminations Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Intersegment revenue Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate and Other Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Capital expenditure, discontinued operations Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations EBITDA Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Capital expenditures Capital Expenditures, Net of Refunds and Other Receipts Related to Capital Expenditures The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale, net of refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures. Interest income and expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Amounts Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 (remainder) Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years After 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter Total lease payments Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AND RELATED TAX EFFECTS Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] 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. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] INVENTORY Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] LEASES Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] LEASES Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] LEASES Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] LEASES Lessor, Sales-type Leases [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock awards Share-based Payment Arrangement [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount SEGMENT REPORTING Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 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 from continuing operations before income taxes Schedule of Reconciliation of EBITDA to Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of information which reconciles EBITDA to reported income or loss from continuing operations before income taxes. Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity method Equity Method Investments Other equity investments without a readily determinable fair value Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Total investments in unconsolidated entities Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment impairment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment BSS Corp. BSS Corp. [Member] BSS Corp. [Member] Class A and B Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share BSS Transaction BSS Transaction [Member] BSS Transaction [Member] Satellites, Owned Satellites, Owned [Member] Satellites, Owned [Member] SPACEWAY 3 SPACEWAY 3 [Member] SPACEWAY 3 [Member] EchoStar XVII EchoStar XVII [Member] EchoStar XVII [Member] EchoStar XIX EchoStar XIX [Member] EchoStar XIX [Member] EchoStar IX EchoStar IX [Member] EchoStar IX [Member] EchoStar XXI EchoStar XXI [Member] EchoStar XXI [Member] Satellites, Leased Satellites, Leased [Member] Satellites, Leased [Member] Eutelsat 65 West A Eutelsat 65 West A [Member] Eutelsat 65 West A [Member] Telesat T19V Telesat 19V [Member] Telesat 19V [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 EchoStar 105/SES-11 [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 satelite [Member] Number of satellites in geostationary orbit, utilized by reporting entity Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity. Finance lease, right-of-use-asset, number of units Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use-Asset, Number Of Units Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use-Asset, Number Of Units Satellites in geosynchronous orbit length above equator Satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit Length Above Equator Represents the length of satellites in geosynchronous orbit above the equator. Depreciable life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Other debt securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Fair value of marketable securities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Total debt securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Total marketable investment securities Marketable Securities Right-of-use assets: Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Operating Finance Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Total right-of-use assets Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset Lease liabilities: Lease Liabilities [Abstract] Lease Liabilities [Abstract] Current: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Operating Operating Lease, Liability, Current Finance Finance Lease, Liability, Current Noncurrent: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Operating Finance Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance lease accumulated amortization Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Tax expense on deemed repatriation of certain foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount 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 premises equipment Customer Rental Equipment [Member] Represents information pertaining to customer rental equipment. Total depreciation expense Depreciation Schedule of new accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities, Excluding Fair Value Option [Member] Corporate Bond Securities, Excluding Fair Value Option [Member] Total available-for-sale debt securities Debt Securities, Excluding Fair Value Option [Member] Debt Securities, Excluding Fair Value Option [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Amortized Cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized Losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Debt securities Sales-type lease revenue: Sales-type Lease, Lease Income [Abstract] Revenue at lease commencement Sales-type Lease, Revenue Interest income Sales-type Lease, Interest Income Operating lease revenue Operating Lease, Lease Income Total lease revenue Lease Income Sales-type lease receivable Sales-type Lease, Lease Receivable Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] GOODWILL, REGULATORY AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and Amortization, Nonproduction, Including Discontinued Operations For the entity and the disposal group, the current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Including Discontinued Operations For the entity and the disposal group, this item represents 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. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs (Gains) losses on investments, net Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Stock-based compensation Shared-Based Compensation, Including Discontinued Operations The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration for the entity and the disposal group. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Deferred tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Dividend received from unconsolidated entity Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Accrued expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities 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 Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchases of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Expenditures for property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Refunds and other receipts related to property and equipment Refunds and other receipts related to property and equipment The cash inflow associated with the refunds and other receipts related to property and equipment. Expenditures for externally marketed software Payments to Develop Software Investment in unconsolidated entities Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Dividend received from unconsolidated entity Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Sale of investment in unconsolidated entity Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Repayment of debt and finance lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Lease Obligation Repurchase and maturity of debt Repayments of Senior Debt Purchase of noncontrolling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Repayment of in-orbit incentive obligations Repayments of Other Debt Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net proceeds from Class A common stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proceeds, Issuance of Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Excluding Option Exercised Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted amounts Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted amounts, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted amounts, end of period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of the entity's debt Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Services and other revenue Services And Other Revenue [Member] Services And Other Revenue [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Total revenue Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of equipment, services and other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Total costs and expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs And Expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs And Expenses Operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense): Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Total other income (expense), net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax benefit (provision), net Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Assets Assets [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable and contract assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Prepaids and deposits Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Regulatory authorizations, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Total assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Current portion of finance lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Finance Lease Obligation, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Finance Lease Obligation, Current Accrued interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Interest, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Interest, Current Accrued expenses and other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Finance lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Finance Lease Obligation, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Finance Lease Obligation, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Leasing Trade accounts receivable Receivables [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, before Allowance for Credit Loss Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Total trade accounts receivable and contract assets, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Contract liabilities: Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract] Current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Noncurrent Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Total contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Bad debt expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items] Available-for-sale securities with contractual maturities of one year of less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling within One Year, Fair Value Available-for-sale securities with contractual maturity of greater than 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. Gain (losses) on investments Debt Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Gain (loss) on equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Gain (Loss) Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Net loss from continuing operations Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Net income from discontinued operations Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Corporation common stock Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Class A and B common stock: Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Class A and B common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Total basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Total diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Customer premises equipment Assets Leased To Others, Customer Premises Equipment [Member] Assets Leased To Others, Customer Premises Equipment [Member] Satellites Assets Leased To Others, Satellites [Member] Assets Leased To Others, Satellites [Member] Real estate Assets Leased To Others, Real Estate [Member] Assets Leased To Others, Real Estate [Member] Assets leased to others Assets Leased to Others [Member] Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Depreciation Expense Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets: Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable investment securities, at fair value Marketable Securities, Current Trade accounts receivable and contract assets, net (Note 3) Inventory Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Total current assets Assets, Current Noncurrent assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Property and equipment, net Goodwill Goodwill Regulatory authorizations, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Other intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Investments in unconsolidated entities Other receivables - DISH Network Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations Contract liabilities Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent liabilities: Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other noncurrent liabilities Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 16) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class B convertible common stock Common Class B [Member] Class C convertible common stock Common Class C [Member] Class D common stock Common Class D [Member] Represents the Class D common stock. Statement [Line items] Statement [Line Items] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Total EchoStar Corporation stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders’ equity LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCE LEASE OBLIGATIONS Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Cover page. Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Class B common stock Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Contract Acquisition Costs Contract Acquisition Costs [Member] Contract Acquisition Costs [Member] Contract Fulfillment Costs Contract Fulfillment Costs [Member] Contract Fulfillment Costs [Member] Cost of sales Cost of Sales [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other noncurrent assets, net Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan 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. Noncash net assets exchanged for BSS Transaction (Note 5) Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents In-orbit incentive obligations Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Contract acquisition costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Contract acquisition costs, amortization Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Capitalized computer software, net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized software development costs for software Capitalized Software Development Costs for Software Sold to Customers Payments to develop software Capitalized computer software, amortization Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Software useful life Software Useful Life Useful life of software that is either acquired, internally developed, or modified to meet the entity's needs. Schedule of marketable investment securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] 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. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Jury Verdict Jury Verdict [Member] Jury Verdict [Member] Pre and Post Judgment Interest Costs Pre and Post Judgment Interest Costs [Member] Pre and Post Judgment Interest Costs [Member] Hughes Network Systems Hughes Network Systems [Member] Hughes Network Systems [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Elbit Elbit [Member] Elbit [Member] License Fee Dispute License Fee Dispute [Member] License Fee Dispute [Member] Realtime Data LLC Realtime Data LLC [Member] Realtime Data LLC [Member] 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] Patent 728 Patent 728 [Member] Patent 728 [Member] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Satellite-related obligations Contractual Obligation Damages awarded Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Attorney's fees sought value Loss Contingency, Attorney's Fees Sought, Value The value (monetary amount) of the attorney's fees the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter. Accrual recorded Estimated Litigation Liability Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Patents allegedly infringed Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Pending claims validity challenged Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Validity Challenged Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Validity Challenged Additional license fees License Fees License Fees Interest on penalties Interest On Penalties Interest On Penalties RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Table] Other debt securities Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Debt securities: Debt Securities [Abstract] Less: Restricted marketable investment securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Restricted Total marketable investment securities Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Other intangible asset accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Cumulative effect of accounting changes as of January 1, 2018 Stockholders' equity, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest, adjusted balance Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Employee benefits Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock-based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition R&D tax credits utilized by DISH Network Charge Recorded in Additional Paid in Capital Related Tax Credit Utilized Represents information about charge recorded in additional paid in capital related utilized tax credit. BSS Transaction (Note 5) Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Effect Of Discontinued Operations Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Effect Of Discontinued Operations Purchase of noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Excluding Other Equity Components Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Excluding Other Equity Components Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Schedule of noncash investing and financing activities Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of cost of sales and research and development costs Schedule of Cost of Sales and Research and Development Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cost of Sales and Research and Development Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental cash flows from discontinued operations Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Land Land [Member] Satellites - owned Satellites - acquired under finance leases Asset Held Under Finance Lease [Member] Asset Held Under Finance Lease [Member] Satellites - acquired under finance leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Depreciable Life In Years Total property and equipment Accumulated depreciation Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Operating Activities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Net income from discontinued operations Depreciation and amortization Investing Activities Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Expenditures for property and equipment Financing Activities Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Repayment of lease obligations Repayments Of Debt And Lease Obligation, Discontinued Operation Repayments Of Debt And Lease Obligation, Discontinued Operation Repayment of in-orbit incentive obligations Repayment Of In-Orbit Incentive Obligation, Discontinued Operation Repayment Of In-Orbit Incentive Obligation, Discontinued Operation Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] 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), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, after Tax Amounts reclassified to net income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax [Abstract] Realized gains on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Corporation Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Equipment Product [Member] Revenue: Costs and expenses: Cost of sales - (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Goods and Services Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization 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 (losses) on investments, net Gain (Loss) on Investments Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (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 (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income tax benefit (provision), net Net loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income from discontinued operations Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Net income (loss) Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Basic loss from continuing operations per share (in dollars per share) Total basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Diluted loss from continuing operations per share (in dollars per share) Total diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Progress amounts for satellite construction 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 Satellite Related Equipment [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Satellite related equipment. Other Construction In Progress Other [Member] Represents the information pertaining to other constructions in process. Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventory 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, 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