Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Secured Notes: Secured Debt [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes: Unsecured Debt [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 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. 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] 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] 2026 Senior Secured and Unsecured Notes Two Thousand Twenty Six Notes [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Six Notes [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest on long-term debt and capital lease obligations Interest Expense [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (HSSC) Subsidiaries [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Prior to August 1, 2020 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Prior to August 1, 2019 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Principal amount of debt issuance Debt Instrument, Face Amount Issue price as percent of principal Debt Instrument Issue Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt issue price as percentage of principal amount. Outstanding principal balance Long-term Debt, Gross Debt redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt redeemed Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Loss from partial redemption of debt Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Redemption premium Redemption Premium Write off of related unamortized debt issuance costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Purchase price due to change of control, as percentage of aggregate principal amount 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. Potential annual redemption, as a percentage of amount outstanding Debt Instrument, Annual Potential Redemption As A Percent Of Amount Outstanding Debt Instrument, Annual Potential Redemption As A Percent Of Amount Outstanding Potential redemption as a percentage of principal Debt Instrument, Potential Redemption As A Percent Of Principal Debt Instrument, Potential Redemption As A Percent Of Principal Percent of debt holders required to call debt Debt Instrument, Percent Of Debt Holders Required To Call Debt Debt Instrument, Percent Of Debt Holders Required To Call Debt Debt Instrument, Unregistered Note, Percentage Exchanged For Registered Note Debt Instrument, Unregistered Note, Percentage Exchanged For Registered Note Debt Instrument, Unregistered Note, Percentage Exchanged For Registered Note Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs amortized Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Segment Reporting [Abstract] 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 segment Hughes Business Segment [Member] Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. EchoStar Satellite Services segment 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. Corporate and Other All Other Segments And Eliminations [Member] Represents information pertaining to segments not specifically identified and intersegment eliminations. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Intersegment Elimination Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total revenue Revenue, Net EBITDA Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Capital expenditures (1) 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 (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock and other noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Dish Mexico Dish Mexico [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Invidi Technologies Corporation [Member] Invidi Technologies Corporation [Member] Invidi Technologies Corporation [Member] Investment disclosures Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Cost Method Investments Cost Method Investments Equity method investment amount Equity Method Investments Total investments in unconsolidated entities—noncurrent Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Dividends received from unconsolidated entities Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal [Abstract] Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Cost Method Investment, Amount Sold Cost Method Investment, Amount Sold Amount of the entity's cost method investment which has been sold Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Components of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Provision for taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current benefit (provision): Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current benefit (provision) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred benefit (provision): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred benefit (provision) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax benefit (provision), net Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Actual tax provision reconciliation to the amounts computed by applying statutory federal tax rate to income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of Federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Permanent differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Enactment of Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Total effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Temporary differences, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Tax Credit and Other Carryforwards Deferred tax assets operating loss tax credit and other carryforwards. Unrealized losses on investments, net Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Other assets Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Total net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credit available to offset future tax liabilities Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Change in allowance for foreign tax credit carryover as result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Tax Custs And Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Provisional Increase (Decrease) In Allowance For Foreign Tax Credit Carryover vlauations Tax on deemed mandatory repatriation of unrepatriated foreign earnings as result of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance as of beginning of period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions based on tax settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions based on expirations of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance as of end of period Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, could affect our effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 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. SPACEWAY 3 S P A C E W A Y3 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to SPACEWAY 3 satellite. EchoStar XVII Echo Star X V I I [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XVII satellite. EchoStar XIX [Member] EchoStar XIX [Member] EchoStar XIX [Member] EchoStar VI Echo Star V I [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VI (fully depreciated). EchoStar VII Echo Star V I I [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VII. EchoStar IX Echo Star I X [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IX. EchoStar X Echo Star X [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar X. EchoStar XI Echo Star X I [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XI. EchoStar XII Echo Star X I I [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XII. EchoStar XIV Echo Star X I V [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XIV. EchoStar XVI Echo Star X V I [Member] Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. EchoStar XXI [Member] EchoStar XXI [Member] EchoStar XXI [Member] EchoStar XXIII [Member] EchoStar XXIII [Member] EchoStar XXIII [Member] Nimiq 5 Nimiq5 [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite Nimiq 15, which is leased from other third parties. QuetzSat-1 Quetz Sat1 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1, which is under construction. Eutelsat 65 West A [Member] Eutelsat 65 West A [Member] Eutelsat 65 West A [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 satelite [Member] AMC-15 and AMC-16 Amc15 And Amc16 [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-15 and AMC-16 which is leased from other third parties. Other Income Other Income [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] 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. Length of satellites utilized in geosynchronous orbit above the equator (in miles) Satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit Length Above Equator Represents the length of satellites in geosynchronous orbit above the equator. Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Depreciable life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Carrying amount Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Reduction of capital lease obligation recognized as gains Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Gain Value Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations And Associated Gain Value. Number Of Solar Array Circuits Affected Number Of Solar Array Circuits Affected Number of solar array circuits affected due to anomalies. Number Of Functional Solar Array Circuits Number Of Functional Solar Array Circuits The number of functional solar array circuits remaining after solar anomalies. Lessee, Finance Lease, Term of Contract Lessee, Finance Lease, Term of Contract Transfer of EchoStar 105/SES-11 payloads to SES in exchange for receivable Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Received Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee And Non Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee And Non Employee Stock Option [Member] Contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, either to purchase or to sell a certain number of shares of stock at a predetermined price for a specified period of time. Non-Employee Stock Option [Member] Non-Employee Stock Option [Member] An arrangement whereby a non-employee is entitled to receive in the future, subject to vesting and other restrictions, a number of shares in the entity at a specified price, as defined in the agreement. Although there are variations, normally, after vesting, when an option is exercised, the non-employee-holder pays the strike value in cash to the issuing entity and receives equity shares. The equity shares can be sold into the market for cash at the current market price without restriction. Employee Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted stock units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A common stock Common Class A [Member] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares outstanding under stock incentive plans (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Expiration term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Number of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contractual Obligations [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Contractual Obligations, Type [Axis] Contractual Obligations, Type [Axis] Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations, Type [Domain] Contractual Obligations Type [Domain] Represents the type of contractual obligations, such as long-term borrowings, capital lease obligations, interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations, satellite-related obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase and other obligations. Long-term debt Long-term Debt [Member] Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Satellite-related obligations Satellite Related Obligation [Member] Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Operating lease obligations Operating Lease Obligations [Member] Represents operating lease obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] 2018 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year 2019 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2020 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year 2021 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2022 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Total Contractual Obligation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Operating income (1) Operating Income (Loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic earnings per share (in dollars) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share (in dollars) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Gains (losses) related to trading securities Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block] Inventory, Net [Abstract] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [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 entity. 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] Finite lives Finite Lived Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Represents information pertaining to the definite lived regulatory authorizations. Brazilian Regulatory Authorization [Member] Brazilian Regulatory Authorization [Member] Brazilian Regulatory Authorization [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite Lives Indefinite Lived Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Information pertaining to indefinite lived regulatory authorizations. Contractual Rights [Member] Contractual Rights [Member] Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Gross [RollForward] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Gross [RollForward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at the beginning of the period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Currency Translation Adjustment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Gross Currency Translation Adjustment Amount of increase (decrease) to gross assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life for foreign currency translation adjustments. Balance at the end of the period Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization [RollForward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at the beginning of the period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Additions Amortization Currency Translation Adjustment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Translation Adjustments Amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life for foreign currency translation adjustments. Balance at the end of the period Net Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Additions Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization, Additions Amount of increase (decrease) in finite lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, that is from additions, Currency Translation Adjustment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Currency Translation Adjustment, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Currency Translation Adjustment, Net Balance at the end of the period Indefinite lives Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Balance at the end of the period Total regulatory authorizations, net Other Intangible Assets Net [RollForward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at the beginning of the period Other Intangible Assets, Net Additions Other Intangible Assets, Additions Amount of increase (decrease) of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life and having a projected indefinite period of benefit, from additions. Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Currency Translation Adjustment Other Intangible Assets Net Translation Adjustments Amount of increase (decrease) of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life and having a projected indefinite period of benefit, from foreign currency translation adjustments. Balance at the end of the period Amortization of regulatory authorizations Amortization of Intangible Assets Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] 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 Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [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. Class B common stock Common Class B [Member] Class C common stock Common Class C [Member] Class D common stock Common Class D [Member] Represents the Class D common stock. Statement line items Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current 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: Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] 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 Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] DISH Network D I S H Network [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. All other Other Major Customers [Member] Represents other major customers of the entity. Corporate and Other Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenue Sales [Member] Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Percentage of total revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes 7.625 Percent Due2021 [Member] Represents detail pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior unsecured notes due in 2021. Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Cost of sales Cost of Sales [Member] Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense [Member] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Weighted-average Weighted Average [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] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract] Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life 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. In-orbit incentive obligations Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Research and Development Research and Development Expense [Abstract] Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract] Software useful life 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 Externally marketed software under development and not yet placed in service Capitalized Software Development Costs for Software Sold to Customers Expenditures for externally marketed software Payments to Develop Software Amortization expense relating to the development of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Advertising Costs Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] Advertising expenses Advertising Expense Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] 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. Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] 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] Share Exchange Agreement Share Exchange Agreement [Member] Share Exchange Agreement [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [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] 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. Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Equipment, services and other revenue - DISH Network Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue, Related Party Amount of revenue from related party attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Equipment, services and other revenue - other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue, Other Amount of other revenue attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Total revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue 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 Research and development expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Research and Development Expense Amount of research and development expense attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Depreciation and amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Impairment of long-lived assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets Held For Use Amount of impairment of long-lived assets held for use attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Total costs and expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Amount of income (loss) from equity method investments attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Other, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income (Expense) Amount of other income (expense) attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Total income (expense), net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Nonoperating Income (Loss) Amount of nonoperating income (loss) attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax provision Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Trade accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Amount classified as receivables arising from transactions with related parties attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of. Inventory Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current 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 Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Noncurrent Other intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Noncurrent Investments in unconsolidated entities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investments In Affiliates And Joint Ventures Amount classified as equity and or cost method investments attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. 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 Trade accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Amount classified as accounts payable arising from transactions with related parties attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Current portion of capital lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Capital Lease Obligations, Current Amount classified as capital lease obligations attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Deferred revenue and prepayments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Revenue, Current Accrued compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Employee Related Liabilities, Current Amount classified as employee related liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Accrued royalties Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Royalties, Current Amount classified as accrued royalties attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Accrued expenses and other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Capital lease obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Capital Lease Obligation, Noncurrent Amount classified as capital lease obligations attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Deferred tax liabilities, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent 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 Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] EchoStar and HSSC EchoStar And Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. EchoStar Corporation Parent Company [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Hughes Retail Group Hughes Retail Group [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Satellite And Tracking Stock Transaction [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Principal Business Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Represents the number of owned satellites transferred. Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Percentage of economic interest held Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Represents the percentage of economic interest held an entity. Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table 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 Stock Compensation Plan [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 Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] 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 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 Depreciation and amortization Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income 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, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net 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 tax benefit (provision), net Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Net Income Loss Attributable To Subsidiary Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to subsidiary preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Net income attributable to EchoStar Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: Net loss attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income from discontinued operations Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share (in dollars) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share (in dollars) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic earnings per share (in dollars) Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share (in dollars) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share (in dollars) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings per share (in dollars) Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Stockholders Equity (Deficit) Class of Stock [Line Items] Votes per share Number of Votes Per Share of Common Stock Represents the number of votes per share of common stock owned. Votes per share in event of change of control Common Stock Voting Rights in Event of Change of Control Represents the number of votes per share in the event of change of control. Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible Common Stock Convertible into Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock Common stock convertible into number of shares of Class A common stock. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Fair value of available-for-sale securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in a loss position 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 Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Canada and Mexico North America Other Than U S [Member] Represents information pertaining to North America other than the United States. All other All Other Geographic Segments [Member] Represents information pertaining to other geographical segments of the entity. Geographic Information Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest in HSS Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other Noncontrolling Interests Other Noncontrolling Interests [Member] ss Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Employee benefits Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net 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. Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017 Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax Reacquisition and retirement of Tracking Stock pursuant to Share Exchange Agreement Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) and impairment on available-for-sale securities, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gains Losses on Available-for-sale Securities, And Other Adjustments, Net of Tax Represents the sum of the unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, the reclassification adjustment impact on the statement of operations, and other adjustments. Ending balance Summary of contractual obligations Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] Restricted Performance Units Restricted Performance Units [Member] Restricted performance units awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Vesting Criteria [Axis] Vesting Criteria [Axis] Information about the type of vesting for share-based compensation awards. Vesting Criteria [Domain] Vesting Criteria [Domain] The types of vesting specified for share-based compensation awards. Vesting Based On Performance Measurements Vesting Based On Performance [Member] Represents a share based compensation award with vesting based on achievement of performance conditions. Stock option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited and canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares) Exercisable at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Disclosures Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited and canceled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Total options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based compensation additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract] Tax benefits from stock options exercised Tax Benefits From Stock Options Exercised Tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options resulting in reductions in the entity's income taxes. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Restricted stock unit activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited and canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares) Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited and canceled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of trade accounts receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Total stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Stock-Based Compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Future forfeiture rate (as a percent) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Estimated Future Forfeiture Rate Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated future forfeiture rate. Period for recognition of compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition 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] Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Gain (loss) on marketable investment securities, net Gain (Loss) on Investments [Member] Privately Held Company [Member] Privately Held Company [Member] Privately Held Company [Member] Investment disclosures Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Marketable investment securities and restricted cash equivalents Investments and Cash [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, at fair value Marketable Securities, Current Restricted marketable investment securities Marketable Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent Total marketable investment securities Marketable Securities Dividend income from strategic equity securities Investment Income, Dividend Trading Securities, Equity Trading Securities, Equity Schedule of quarterly results of operations Quarterly Financial Information [Table 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 (loss) 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. Summary of total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North American and other foreign locations Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Summary of sales to major customer and its percentage of total revenue Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] 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 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 Capitalized interest related to satellites, satellite payloads and related ground facilities under construction Interest Costs Capitalized Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale 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 Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Total available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Unamortized debt issuance costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Unamortized debt issuance costs Effective Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Carrying Amount Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Subtotal Long-term Debt 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 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income 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] 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. Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets Held-For-Use, Including Discontinued Operations For the entity and the disposal group, this item represents the aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale). Equity in earnings 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. Losses (gains) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net Gain (Loss) on Investments 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 (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Including Discontinued Operations Amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations and discontinued operations. Dividends received from unconsolidated entities Equity Method Investment Dividends Or Distributions, Including Discontinued Operations For the entity and disposal group, the item represents the amount of distribution received from equity method investee for return on investment, classified as operating activities. Excludes distribution for return of investment, classified as investing activities. Proceeds from sale of trading securities Proceeds from (Payments for) Trading Securities, Short-term 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 Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties 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 [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 Expenditures for property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures Refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures The cash inflow associated with the refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures. Sale of investment in unconsolidated entity Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Investments in unconsolidated entities Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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 [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Repayment of 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 and related premium Repayments of Senior Debt Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 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 from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Cash exchanged for Tracking Stock Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock 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 and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Including Discontinued Operations Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Including Discontinued Operations Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Including Discontinued Operations Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Interest Paid Capitalized interest Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Property and equipment financed under capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred 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. Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations Liabilities Assumed Noncash net assets exchanged for Tracking Stock Noncash Or Part Noncash Transaction, Net Assets Exchange, Preferred Stock Repurchase Amount represent noncash assets transferred in exchange for repurchase of preferred stock Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transactions, Lessor, Operating Lease, Real Estate [Member] 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 [Member] Related Party Transactions, Lessee, Operating Lease, Real Estate [Member] Lease arrangements of real estate properties from related party to reporting entity. Telesat Canada [Member] Telesat Canada [Member] Represents details pertaining to Telesat Canada. S E S Latin America [Member] S E S Latin America [Member] Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement. TeleSat Transponder Agreement [Member] TeleSat Transponder Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the TeleSat Transponder Agreement. DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement [Member] DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement. 103 Spectrum Development Agreement 103 Spectrum Development Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement. TT&C Agreement Telemetry Tracking And Control Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the TT and C Agreement. 100 Inverness Lease Agreement [Member] 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. Santa Fe Lease Agreement Santa Fe Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Santa Fe Lease Agreement. Gilbert Lease Agreement Gilbert Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Gilbert Lease Agreement. Cheyenne Lease Agreement Cheyenne Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Cheyenne Lease Agreement. TerreStar Agreement [Member] 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. Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement. Transponder Service Agreement [Member] Transponder Service Agreement [Member] Transponder Service Agreement [Member] Satellite Services Agreement [Member] Satellite Services Agreement [Member] Satellite Service Agreements [Member] American Fork Occupancy License Agreement [Member] American Fork Occupancy License Agreement [Member] American Fork Occupancy License Agreement [Member] Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements [Member] Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements. Related party transactions 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. Agreement term Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Related party transactions agreement term. Grants receivable by related parties Related Party Transactions, Grants Receivable by Related Party Related party transactions, grants receivable by related party. 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. Renewal option reduction Renewal Option, Reduction in Years Renewal Option, Reduction in Years 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 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. 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. Number of successive three year renewal options Related Party Transactions Agreement Maximum Number of Three Year Renewal Options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of three year renewal options. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. 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. Equity interest, percentage in joint venture Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Capital lease obligation Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Effective interest rate Weighted average interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Executory Costs and Orbital Location Lease Amounts to be paid by lessee to lessor for lease of orbital location, maintenance, insurance, and tax expenses related to the leased asset. Net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Less: Amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Less: Current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Sublease rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue Future minimum sublease rental income Capital Leases, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Sublease remaining term Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Other comprehensive income, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Cumulative foreign currency translation losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Recognition of foreign currency translation losses in net income Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities Total reclassifications, net of tax and noncontrolling interests Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Hughes Systique Corporation Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Deluxe Deluxe Echo Star L L C [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Deluxe /EchoStar LLC. AsiaSat AsiaSat [Member] AsiaSat [Member] Global IP Revenue [Member] Global IP Revenue [Member] Global IP Revenue [Member] HNS Hughes Network Systems L L C [Member] Represents information pertaining to Hughes Network Systems, LLC. 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. Interest rate (as a percent) Related Party Transaction, Rate Remaining balance of loan Notes Payable, Related Parties 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. Amount payable to related party Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Receivables from related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Amount receivable from related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Payable to related party Due to Related Parties Repayment of loan Repayments of Related Party Debt 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] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [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 (including restricted) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Debt securities Equity securities Schedule of regulatory authorizations with finite and indefinite useful lives Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. It also discloses the carrying value of intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. Schedule of other intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated future amortization of intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Satellite-related expenses Satellite Related Expense Represents the amount of satellite-related expenses incurred during the period. Total rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Related Party Transactions [Abstract] D I S H Online. Com Services Agreement [Member] D I S H Online. Com Services Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. Sling TV Holding [Member] Sling TV Holding [Member] Sling TV Holding [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] TiVo vs Dish Network And Echostar Corporation [Member] TiVo vs Dish Network And Echostar Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to legal proceedings of TiVo vs. Dish Network and Echostar Corporation. NagraStar Nagra Star L L C [Member] Represents the equity method investee of the entity. SmarDTV SA [Member] SmarDTV SA [Member] Represents the information pertains to equity method investee SmarDTV SA. Equity Method Investment Nonvoting Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment Nonvoting Ownership Percentage The percentage of non-voting ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Initial settlement amount paid Litigation Settlement, Initial Payment Litigation settlement initial payment. Litigation Settlement, Total Amount to be Paid Through Six Annual Installments Litigation Settlement, Total Amount to be Paid Through Six Annual Installments Litigation settlement total amount to be paid through six annual installments. Litigation settlement, number of annual installments Litigation Settlement, Number of Annual Installments Litigation settlement number of annual installments. Portion of the $300 million initial settlement agreement payment paid by EchoStar Loss Contingency, Contribution Towards Settlement Agreement Loss contingency contribution towards settlement agreement. Loss Contingency, Estimated Percentage of Annual Payments, Payable by Entity Loss Contingency, Estimated Percentage of Annual Payments, Payable by Entity Loss contingency estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity. Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired by Related Party Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired by Related Party Represents the percentage of voting equity interests acquired by the related party. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of components of income (loss) before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of income tax rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] 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] Trade accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Total trade accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Progress billings offset against contracts in process Billed Contracts Receivable Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation and qualifying accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at Beginning of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance at End of Year Estimated future amortization of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Total Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Future Total Represents the total future estimated amortization expense for intangible assets. 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 acquired under capital leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, net Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Technology-based Developed Technology Rights [Member] Trademark portfolio Trademarks [Member] Other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Weighted Average Useful life Cost Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount Amortization expense Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] 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 Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, 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 Recognition of realized gains 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 other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Reclassification Adjustment of Noncredit Portion Included in Net Income, Availabe-for-sale Securities, before Tax Total other comprehensive 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 loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable To Preferred Tracking Stock Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] EchoStar 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan Echo Star401 K Plan [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar 401(k) Plan. Roth 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan Roth401k Plan [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Roth 401(k) plan. Employee benefit plans Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Contribution limit per employee, as a percentage of eligible compensation Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Employee Percent of Eligible Compensation Maximum percentage of employee gross pay, by the terms of the plan, that the employee may contribute to a defined contribution plan. Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level Two Represents the second level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level One Represents the first level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees per year Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees after specified period of service Defined Contribution Plan Employers Matching Contribution Annual Vesting Percentage after Specified Period of Service Percentage of employer's matching contributions to a defined contribution plan that vests in a given year after a specified period of service. Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service Defined Contribution Plan Eligible Period of Service for Matching Contribution The period of service required for eligibility for matching contributions by the employer. Matching contributions made by the company during the year Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Discretionary contributions, net of forfeitures, fair value, under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Discretionary contributions, Shares, under 401(k) plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plan Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement [Member] Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement. Patent Cross-License Agreements Patent Cross License Agreements [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Patent Cross-License Agreements. Orange New Jersey Orange New Jersey [Member] Orange New Jersey [Member] 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). Contract Revenue Cost Contract Revenue Cost 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. Number of subsidiaries against lawsuit was filed Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Number of parcels sold Number of Real Estate Parcels Sold Number of Real Estate Parcels Sold Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock [Member] Employee benefit plans Number of shares authorized for issue Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Maximum allowed purchase under the ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan Maximum Fair Value of Common Stock Permitted to be Purchased Per Annum Employee Stock Purchase Plan maximum fair value of common stock permitted to be purchased per annum. Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Number of shares of common stock purchased under ESPP Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Schedule of marketable investment securities and restricted cash equivalents Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale 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] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Policy Text Block] Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation policy. Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Investment Securities Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Cost and Equity Method Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Policy [Text Block] Represents the disclosure of accounting policy for finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Issuance Costs Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Sales - Services and Equipment Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Subscriber Acquisition Costs Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of the entity's accounting policy for subscriber acquisition costs. 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. Stock-based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Costs Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted stock unit activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of the entity's debt Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Brazilian Tax Authority Elbit [Member] Elbit [Member] Elbit [Member] Realtime Data LLC [Member] Realtime Data LLC [Member] Realtime Data LLC [Member] Hughes Network Systems [Member] Hughes Network Systems [Member] Hughes Network Systems [Member] Breach of fiduciary duties Breach Of Fiduciary Duties [Member] Represents details pertaining to breach of fiduciary duties. Commitment and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Litigation Settlement, Expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Loss Contingency, Invalidated Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Invalidated Claims, Number Number of invalidated claims pertaining to a loss contingency. Number of pending claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Stock option grants attempted (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Attempted Grants in Period Gross Gross number of share options (or share units) which the entity attempted to grant during the period. New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Up-front Payment Arrangement Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Pro Forma Pro Forma [Member] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Retained Earnings Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] New accounting pronouncement disclosures New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] 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. Depreciation expense Depreciation [Abstract] Total depreciation expense Depreciation Amortization of satellites under capital lease agreements Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense 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. Schedule of satellites Schedule of Satellites [Table Text Block] Schedule of satellites. Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Common Stock Repurchase Program Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Amount of shares authorized for repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Number of common stock shares repurchased Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Range of Exercise Prices $0.00 - $20.00 Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars 0.00 To 20.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 0.00 dollars to 20.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $25.00 Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars20.01 To25.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 20.01 dollars to 25.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $25.01 - $30.00 Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars25.01 To30.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 25.01 dollars to 30.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $35.00 Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars30.01 To35.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 30.01 dollars to 35.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $35.01 - $40.00 Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars35.01 To40.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 35.01 dollars to 40.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $40.01 to $45.00 Range of Exercise Prices From Dollars 40.01 to 45.00 [Member] Represents the range of Exercise Prices From 40.01 dollars to 45.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $45.01 to $50.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 45.01 to 50.00 [Member] Represents the range of Exercise Prices from 45.01 dollars to 50.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $50.01 and above Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars 50.01 To 55.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 50.01 dollars to 55.00 dollars. Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars 55.01 To 60.00 [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars 55.01 To 60.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 55.01 dollars to 60.00 dollars. Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars 60.01 And Above [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices From Dollars 60.01 And Above [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 60.01 dollars and above. Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable: Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Options outstanding, Weighted-average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options outstanding, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Options exercisable, Weighted-average remaining contractual life Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,027 and $12,956, 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. 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 of accumulated depreciation of $2,661,129 and $2,598,492, respectively Regulatory authorizations, net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Investments in unconsolidated entities Other receivable - DISH Network Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations 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 Current liabilities of discontinued operations Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of unamortized debt issuance costs Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ Equity: Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued 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 stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Represents the amount of stockholders' equity attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Other noncontrolling interests Other Noncontrolling Interests Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float 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 Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on the entity's basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Black-Scholes option valuation model assumptions Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility factor Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected term of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-Sale Securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Realized gains from the sales of available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Amounts attributable to EchoStar common stock: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted (in shares) Earnings per share: Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]