Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Class A common stock Common Class B [Member] Class B common stock Statement [Line Items] Statement line items Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Common Class C [Member] Class C common stock Represents the Class D common stock. Common Class D [Member] Class D common stock Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable investment securities, at fair value Total marketable investment securities - current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,543 and $14,188, respectively Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Amount receivable from related party Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Inventory, Net Inventory Total inventory Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax assets Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Assets: Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted cash and marketable investment securities Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,910,823 and $2,899,353, respectively Other Intangible Assets, Net Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Regulatory authorizations, net Goodwill Goodwill Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Other intangible assets, net Carrying amount Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investments in unconsolidated entities Total investments in unconsolidated entities-noncurrent Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Other receivable - DISH Network Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Amount payable to related party Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Less: Current portion Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Deferred revenue and prepayments Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation Accrued Royalties, Current Accrued royalties Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Liabilities: Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity: Common stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated earnings (deficit) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total EchoStar stockholders' equity Represents the amount of stockholders' equity attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Other Noncontrolling Interests Other noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars) Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties Current. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars) Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred Stock: Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Revenues [Abstract] Revenue: Equipment revenue related party. Equipment Revenue, Related Party Equipment revenue - DISH Network Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Equipment revenue - other Services and other revenue - Related Party. Services and Other Revenue, Related Party Services and other revenue - DISH Network Sales Revenue, Services, Net Services and other revenue - other Revenue, Net Total revenue Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses: Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Services Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of sales - services and other Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Research and Development Expense Research and development expenses Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Income (Expense): Investment Income, Net Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Loss from partial redemption of debt Loss from partial redemption of debt Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net 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. Total Nonoperating Income (Expense), Interest And Debt Expense, and Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Total other expense, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision, net Income tax benefit (expense) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Net income Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to subsidiary preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Net Income Loss Attributable To Subsidiary Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to EchoStar Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Less: Net loss attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2) Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income attributable to EchoStar common Stock Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Earnings per Share Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Recognition of foreign currency translation losses in net income Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss for foreign currency translation adjustments Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities and other Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and other Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on available-for-sale securities in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Recognition of realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable To Preferred Tracking Stock Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Losses (gains) and other-than-temporary impairment on marketable investment securities, net Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment The cash inflow associated with the refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures. Refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures Refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Investment in unconsolidated entities Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Acquisition of regulatory authorizations Represents the cash outflow associated with capital contributions during the period. Payments for Capital Contributions to Related Party Capital contribution to Sling TV Holding Cash contribution Payments to Develop Software Expenditures for externally marketed software Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Repayments of Senior Debt Repayment of 6 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2019 and related premium Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Repayment of other long-term debt and capital lease obligations Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 2) Cash received Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Interest Paid Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Interest Costs Capitalized Capitalized interest Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred. Increase (Decrease) In Capital Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid Increase in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net Represents the amount of net assets transferred in exchange of preferred tracking stock. Net Assets Transferred In Exchange For Preferred Tracking Stock Net noncash assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for Tracking Stock (Note 2) Transfer from Investments Carrying amount of distributed assets Assets received from Sling TV Holding (Note 6) Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations And Associated Gain Value. Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Gain Value Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Business Activities Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock The entire disclosure for information related to target or tracking stock. Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock Disclosure [Text Block] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Investment Securities Trade Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets