Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital Issuance of Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2) Amount of increase (decrease) to additional paid in capital (APIC) resulting from issuance of retail preferred tracking stock. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Schedule of marketable investment securities and other investments Investment [Table Text Block] Net Assets Transferred Related to Tracking Stock Transaction Net assets transferred from EchoStar related to Tracking Stock Transaction (Note 2) Represents the amount of net assets transferred related to Tracking Stock Transaction. Related Party Transactions Number of Satellites Received Number of satellites received Represents the number of satellites received. EUTELSAT 65 West A [Member] EUTELSAT 65 West A Represents information pertaining to the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite. EUTELSAT 65 W A Net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Tracking Stock Proceeds from issuance of Hughes Retail preferred tracking stock, net Represents the cash inflow associated with amount received as proceeds from issuance of preferred tracking stock. Increase (Decrease) in Contractual Obligation Increase in contractual obligations Represents the amount of increase (decrease) in contractual obligation, as a result of the agreement entered into by the entity. Hughes Network Systems LLC [Member] HNS Represents information pertaining to Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Related Party Transaction Amount Agreed to be Funded under Term Loan Facility Amount agreed to be funded under term loan facility Represents the amount agreed to be funded under the term loan facility. Preferred Tracking Stock [Member] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Represents information pertaining to tracking stock, a type of capital stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or "track" the economic performance of a particular business component within the company. Amendment Description Percentage of Capital Stock Held by Related Party Represents the percentage of capital stock held by related party. Percentage of capital stock held Amendment Flag Targeted or Tracking Stock Portion of Vote Entitled to each Share Represents the portion of one vote entitled to each share of tracking stock. Portion of one vote entitled to each share Echo Star and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] EchoStar and HSSC Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Cash Represents the amount of cash transferred by related party under the transaction. Cash Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Property and Equipment Represents the amount of property and equipment transferred by related party under the transaction. Property and equipment, net Represents the amount of current liabilities transferred by related party under the transaction. Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Current Liabilities Current liabilities Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Noncurrent Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Represents the amount of noncurrent liabilities transferred by related party under the transaction. Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Net Assets Represents the amount of net assets transferred by related party under the transaction. Transferred net assets Transferred net assets Adjustments to Reflect Equivalent Per Share Equity Represents the amount of adjustment to reflect equivalent per-share equity. Adjustment to reflect equivalent per-share equity Offering Costs Represents the amount of direct costs of the Tracking Stock offering. Offering costs, net of tax Deferred Income Taxes Represents the amount of deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes Stockholders Equity Increase Decrease [Abstract] Net amount credited to shareholders' equity Uplinking and Gateway Equipment [Member] Uplinking equipment Represents the information pertaining to Uplinking and Gateway equipment satellite. 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. Amount of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-15, which is leased from other third parties. AMC- 15 AMC 15 [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite Nimiq 15, which is leased from other third parties. Nimiq 5 Nimiq 5 [Member] Number of Transponders Option One Number of DBS transponders, option one Number of transponders option one. Current Fiscal Year End Date Award Type [Axis] Watts Per Channel Option One Watts per channel, option one Watts per channel option one. Number of Transponders Available Option Two Number of DBS transponders available, option two Number of transponders available option two. Watts Per Channel Option Two Watts per channel, option two Watts per channel option two. Equipment Revenue Related Party Equipment revenue related party. Equipment revenue - DISH Network Number of Spot Beams Option One Number of spot beams Number of spot beams. Reduction in Asset Carrying Amount Due to Reduction in Capital Lease Obligation Reduction in asset's carrying amount due to reduction in capital lease obligation The reduction in the carrying value of assets held under capital lease due to a contractual change in a capital lease obligation. Deferred Subscriber Acquisition Costs ("SAC") Disclosure of the entity's accounting policy for subscriber acquisition costs. Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Policy Text Block] Accounting Policies [Table] Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting policy disclosures Represents the period of service contract as per the consumer rental program, for which the customer can rent equipment in the consumer market of the entity. Consumer Rental Program Period of Service Contract Period of service contract under the consumer rental program Software Useful Life Useful life of the software Useful life of software that is either acquired, internally developed, or modified to meet the entity's needs. Document Period End Date Maximum Liability for the Unvested Stock Options of Acquired Entity Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity. Portion of Liability Accrued for the Unvested Stock Options of Acquired Entity Portion of liability accrued for the unvested stock options of acquired entity Portion of liability accrued for the unvested stock options of acquired entity. Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-16, which was leased from other third parties. AMC-16 AMC16 [Member] Represents information pertaining to other geographical segments of the entity. All other All Other Geographic Segments [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties, Current A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables from related parties due to an entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible. Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars) Blockbuster Inc [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Blockbuster, Inc. Blockbuster Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent) Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party. Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information DBSD North America Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. DBSD North America Agreement Entity [Domain] DISH Broadband [Member] Represents the details pertaining to DISH Broadband. DISH Broadband DISH Network [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. DISH Network DISH Telesat Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement. DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Capital Lease Obligations, Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in Monthly Recurring Payment Capital lease obligations increase decrease due to change in monthly recurring payment. Decrease in capital lease obligations Dish Mexico [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Dish Mexico Dish Quetz Sat 1 Lease Agreement [Member] Dish Quetz Sat-1 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Dish QuetzSat-1 Agreement. Document and Entity Information E Contact Technologies Llc Lawsuit [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the E-Contact Technologies, LLC (E-Contact) lawsuit. E-Contact Technologies, LLC Earnings before Interest Tax, Depreciation and Amortization Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA EchoStar III [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite assets owned by the entity, EchoStar III (fully depreciated). EchoStar III Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar Management Services Agreement. EchoStar Management Services Agreement Echo Star Management Services Agreement [Member] Echo Star Professional Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar Professional Services Agreement. EchoStar Professional Services Agreement EchoStar VI [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VI (fully depreciated). EchoStar VI EchoStar VI - fully depreciated EchoStar XVI [Member] Represents the information pertaining to under construction satellite assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XVI. EchoStar XVI Construction in Progress Other [Member] Construction in progress: Other Represents information pertaining to buildings, improvements and other constructions in progress. Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net Represents equity in earnings of guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation. Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Orbital Rights, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Regulatory authorizations Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Other [Member] Represents the furniture, fixtures, equipment and other related items owned by the entity. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Gain (Loss) Recognized Due to Capital Lease Reduction The amount of gain or loss recognized due to a contractual change in a capital lease obligation. Gain recognized due to decrease in capital lease obligation Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement [Member] Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the HNS and dishNet Satellite Broadband distribution agreement. Hughes Business Segment [Member] Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. Hughes Business Hughes segment Hughes Communications [Member] Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Hughes Communications, which comprises Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Payments in connection with Hughes Acquisitions Hughes Acquisition Defined Contribution Plan Echo Star 401K Plan [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar 401(k) Plan. EchoStar 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan Hughes 401 K Plan [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Hughes 401(k) Plan. Hughes 401(k) Plan Hughes Systique Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Cash paid to EchoStar for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Related Party Cash paid to EchoStar for income taxes. Nimiq5 Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement. Nimiq 5 Agreement Number of Amplifier Loss in Reporting Period Represents the number of satellites that experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Loss of TWTAs Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by the reporting entity. Number of satellites utilized in geosynchronous orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Number of indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed Brazil Authorization Rights [Member] Brazil authorization Represents the details pertaining to Brazil authorization rights. Equity in other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries, net Other Comprehensive Income Loss from Equity Method Investments Arising During Period Net of Tax Represents the amount after tax, resulting from the earnings from subsidiaries accounted under equity method. Other Major Customers [Member] Represents other major customers of the entity. All other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Miscellaneous Other, net Represents the net amount of other income and expense amounts which have not been itemized or categorized in the footnotes to the financial statements, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Percentage Ownership in Variable Interest Entity by Other Related Parties Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties. Ownership interest percentage by related party Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Agreement. Quetz Sat-1 Agreement Quetz Sat 1 Transponder Agreement [Member] QuetzSat-1 Transponder Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement. RUS Implementation Agreement RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Gain Value 1 The value of reduction in capital lease obligations and associated gain due to entering into additional capital leases in connection with satellite services agreement during the period. Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-16 Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period. Automatic renewal period Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. Number of successive one-year renewal options Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Term of renewal option Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option Additional Term Additional term of renewal option Represents the additional term of renewal option. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Related party transactions agreement term. Agreement term Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Related Party Transactions, Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Agreement term from commencement of service date Entity Voluntary Filers Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity Entity Current Reporting Status Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. Entity Filer Category Related Party Transactions, Grants Receivable by Related Party Related party transactions, grants receivable by related party. Grants receivable by related party Entity Public Float Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Entity Registrant Name 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 expected to receive services Entity Central Index Key Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving services. Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of agreement. Required minimum notice for termination of agreement Related Party Transactions Additional Agreement Term Additional agreement term Represents the additional term of agreement with the related party. Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service. Required minimum notice for termination of individual service Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding SES Latin America [Member] SES Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. SES Latin America Satellite Services Business [Member] Represents 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. EchoStar Satellite Services EchoStar Satellite Services Business Satellite Capacity Leased to Dish Network [Member] Represents details pertaining to satellite capacity leased to Dish Network. Satellite services provided to Dish Network Satellites [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites Satellites - owned Schedule of depreciation expense Schedule of Depreciation Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation expense. Tabular disclosure of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the company. Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of regulatory authorizations including amounts with finite and indefinite useful lives 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. Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. Senior Notes due 2021 Senior Notes 7.625 Percent, Due 2021 [Member] 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. Senior Secured Notes 6.50 Percent, Due 2019 [Member] 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Represents the details pertaining to TT and C Agreement. TT&C Agreement Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Telesat Canada. Telesat Telesat Canada [Member] Total number of TWTAs lost on the satellite Total Number of Amplifier Loss Represents the total number of satellites that experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Tax Credit and Other Carryforwards Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards Deferred tax assets operating loss tax credit and other carryforwards. Contracts in process, net Amounts due from customers or clients for contracts in process. Accounts Receivable Contracts in Process [Member] Owners Net Investment [Member] Owner's Net Investment This element represents owners net investment. Owners Net Investment Reclass Owner's net investment reclass upon formation of HSS This element represents amount of owner's net investment reclassification upon formation of the entity. Contributions from Prior Owner Contributions from owner The assets contributions from prior owner upon company spin-off. Document Fiscal Year Focus Schedule of Construction in Progress [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in progress Schedule of construction in progress. Document Fiscal Period Focus Schedule of Satellites [Table Text Block] Schedule of satellites. Schedule of satellites Customer Rental Equipment [Member] Represents the information pertaining to customer rental equipment. Customer rental equipment Echo Star IV [Member] EchoStar IV - fully depreciated Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IV (fully depreciated). Echo Star VIII [Member] EchoStar VIII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VIII. Echo Star IX [Member] EchoStar IX Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IX. Echo Star XII [Member] EchoStar XII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XII. SPACEWAY 3 [Member] SPACEWAY 3 Represents the information pertaining to SPACEWAY 3 satellite. Initial lease term of satellites Initial term of satellite capital leases. Initial Term of Satellite Capital Leases Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Executory Costs and Orbital Location Lease 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 Amounts to be paid by lessee to lessor for lease of orbital location, maintenance, insurance, and tax expenses related to the leased asset. Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Plans Number of 401(k) employee saving plan Represents the number of plans under a defined contribution plan. Defined Contribution Plan Eligible Period of Service for Matching Contribution Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service The period of service required for eligibility for matching contributions by the employer. Legal Entity [Axis] Highly compensated employee contribution limit as percentage of eligible compensation for highly compensated employees The limit of annual employee contributions made by highly compensated employees to the plan per calendar year as a percentage of compensation. Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee for Highly Compensated Employees Percent Document Type Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level One Employer match of employee contributions of 3% of eligible compensation (as a percent) Represents the employer matching contribution of the first level of employee contributions. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level One Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer Represents the first level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Represents the employer matching contribution of the second level of employee contributions. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level Two Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer Represents the second level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level Two Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer Echo Star Corporation [Member] EchoStar Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar Corporation. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Maximum Fair Value of Common Stock Permitted to be Purchased Per Annum Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan maximum fair value of common stock permitted to be purchased per annum. Number of Major Customers Number of major customers Represents the number of major customers of the entity. Schedule of Defined Contribution Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Disclosures about defined contribution plans. Receivables from related parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Debt Instrument, Purchase Price Due to Change of Control as Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Purchase price as a percentage of aggregate principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in the event of change of control 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. Schedule of Defined Contribution Benefit Plans Disclosures [Line Items] Employee benefit plans Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contribution by Employee Amount Maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan Represents the annual dollar limit an employee may contribute to a defined contribution retirement plan. Available for Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position,12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer impacting investments. 12 months or more Available for Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less Than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments Less than 12 months Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months impacting investments. Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation policy. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Capitalized Software Costs Disclosure of accounting policy for costs incurred when both (1) the software is acquired, internally developed, or modified solely to meet the entity's internal needs, and (2) during the software's development or modification, no substantive plan exists or is being developed to market the software externally. This policy also may address the entity's amortization policy for its capitalized computer software costs and how it evaluates such capitalized costs for impairment. Capitalized Software Policy [Text Block] Receivable Type [Axis] Number of Ku band FSS Transponders Number of Ku-band FSS transponders Number of Ku-band FSS transponders. Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving sublease services. Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Sublease Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services subleased back from related party Watts Per Channel Option Three Watts per channel, option three Watts per channel option three. Represents the amount with respect to reduction of capital lease obligations and associated asset value. Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Asset Value Reduction of capital lease obligation and associated asset value Indefinite Lived Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Indefinite lives Represents information pertaining to the indefinite-lived regulatory authorizations. Finite lives Represents information pertaining to the definite-lived regulatory authorizations. Definite Lived Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Total regulatory authorizations Represents information pertaining to the regulatory authorizations. Business Acquisition Contractual Rights Acquired Contractual rights to receive in cash discounts on future launch services Represents the amount of contractual rights acquired to receive in cash discounts on future launch services. Deluxe Echo Star LLC [Member] Deluxe Represents details pertaining to Deluxe/EchoStar LLC. Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Axis] Disclosures about defined contribution plan. Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Defined Contribution Plan [Domain] The name of the defined contribution plan. Services and Other Revenue Related Party Services and other revenue - DISH Network Services and other revenue - Related Party. Revenue from related parties Number of traveling wave tube amplifiers Represents the number of traveling wave tube amplifiers. Number of Traveling Wave Tube Number of transponders available for use Represents the number of transponders available for use. Number of Transponders Available for Use Progress Amounts for Satellite Construction Other [Member] Satellite under construction: Other Represents information pertaining to other satellites under construction. HNS Americas Comunicacoes LTDA [Member] Hughes Brazil Represents information pertaining to HNS Americas Comunicacoes LTDA (Hughes Brazil), a wholly-own subsidiary of Hughes Communication. Echo Star Loan [Member] EchoStar Loan Represents information pertaining to the U.S. dollar denominated loan agreement. Brazil Loan [Member] Brazil Loan Represents information pertaining to the Reais denominated loan agreement. Echo Star Do Brazil Participacoes LTDA [Member] EchoStar Brazil Represents information pertaining to EchoStar do Brazil Participacoes LTDA (EchoStar Brazil), a wholly-own subsidiary of EchoStar. Trade accounts receivable, net Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,664 and $10,737, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Number of Public Companies in which Shares of Common Stock Were Held Number of public companies in which shares of common stock were held Represents the number of public companies in which shares of common stock were held. Regulatory Authorization Included in Accrued Liabilities Assumed Regulatory authorization included in accrued liabilities Represents the fair value of regulatory authorization included in accrued liabilities assumed in noncash investing or financing activities. Prepaid Expense and Deposits Assets, Current Prepaids and deposits 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. Transfer of Regulatory Authorization to Related Party Transfer of regulatory authorization to DISH Network included in accounts receivable Represents the amount of regulatory authorization transferred to the related party. Carrying value of regulatory authorization transferred to subsidiary of EchoStar Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Ciel Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. Tax Sharing Agreement [Member] Tax Sharing Agreement Represents information pertaining to the tax sharing agreement. Increase in income tax benefits Represents the amount of increase (decrease) in income tax expense (benefit) as compared to previous reporting period. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Period Increase (Decrease) Amount of accumulated unrealized gain before deducting unrealized loss on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Unrealized Gains Available for Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated in Investments Available for Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities, impacting investments. Total Unrealized Losses Available for Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss before deducting unrealized gain on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Total trade accounts receivables Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Tabular disclosure of information which reconciles EBITDA to reported income or loss before income taxes. Schedule of Reconciliation of EBITDA to Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of EBITDA to reported income (loss) before income taxes EchoStar Satellite Services Business [Member] EchoStar Satellite Services Business Represents 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. Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Other North America Other than US [Member] Represents information pertaining to North America other than the United States. Long term debt issue price as a percentage of the principal amount. Debt Instrument, Issue Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Debt instrument issued, issue price (as a percent) Percentage of the aggregate principal amount that may be redeemed Represents the percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt instruments that the entity may redeem with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions. Debt Instrument, Redemption with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings or Capital Contributions as Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Canadian Regulatory Authorization [Member] Canadian regulatory authorization Represents details pertaining to the Canadian regulatory authorization rights. Cash to cover the balance of the EchoStar Loan and costs incurred by Hughes Brazil associated with the Brazil Authorization Represents the amount of cash to cover the balance of the EchoStar Loan and costs incurred with the intangible assets. Amount of Cash to Cover Balance of Echostar Loan and Costs Incurred with Intangible Assets Caltech Represents information pertaining to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). California Institute of Technology [Member] Payments for Proceeds from other Investing Activities1 Other, net The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities, excluding the purchase of certain strategic investments. Investments in Subsidiaries Investment in subsidiaries Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence and (B) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. EchoStar XVII [Member] EchoStar XVII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XVII satellite. Quetz Sat 1 [Member] QuetzSat-1 Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1, which is under construction. Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table] Schedule of information pertaining to contractual obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations Type [Axis] Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity. Represents the type of contractual obligations, such as long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations, interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations, satellite-related obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase and other obligations. Contractual Obligations Type [Domain] Satellite-related obligations Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Satellite Related Obligation [Member] Trade accounts receivable Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Operating Lease Obligations [Member] Operating lease obligations Represents operating lease obligations of the entity. Long Term Purchase Commitment and Other Obligations [Member] Purchase and other obligations Represents the information pertaining to purchases and other obligations of the entity. Unrecognized Tax Benefit [Member] Unrecognized tax benefit Represents information pertaining to unrecognized tax benefits. Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Reduction in Asset Carrying Amount Due to Additional Solar Array Anomalies Reduction in asset's carrying amount due to additional solar array anomalies Represents the reduction in the carrying value of assets due to additional solar array anomalies. Intangible Assets Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Policy [Text Block] Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets Represents the disclosure of accounting policy for finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Defined Contribution Plan Employers Matching Contribution Annual Vesting Percentage after Specified Period of Service Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees after specified period of service Percentage of employer's matching contributions to a defined contribution plan that vests in a given year after a specified period of service. Transaction Agreement [Member] Transaction Agreement Represents information pertaining to the Transaction Agreement. DISH Network LLC and DISH Operating LLC [Member] DISH Investors Represents information pertaining to DISH Network L.L.C. and DISH Operating L.L.C. Related Party Transactions Preferred Tracking Stock Issued by Related Party Preferred tracking stock issued by the related party Represents the preferred tracking stock issued during the period by the related party. Number of owned satellites transferred Represents the number of owned satellites transferred. Number of satellites transferred Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Percentage of economic interest held Represents the percentage of economic interest held. Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group Satellite Related Expenses Satellite-related expenses Represents the amount incurred towards satellite-related expenses. Related Party Transactions Lease Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Lease termination notice period Represents the period of notice required to terminate lease in a transaction with the related party. Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest EBITDA Adjustment Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests EBITDA adjustment for net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Investor Rights Agreement [Member] Investor Rights Agreement Represents information pertaining to the Investor Rights Agreement. Related Party Transactions, Number of Series of Preferred Tracking Stock to Be Issued by Related Party Number of series of preferred tracking stock to be issued by the related party Represents the number of series of preferred tracking stock to be issued by the related party. Represents the prohibition period for transfer of the Tracking Stock. Prohibition Period for Transfer of Tracking Stock Prohibition period for transfer of the Tracking Stock Payments to Acquire Intercompany Notes Relating to Acquisition Intercompany note relating to Hughes Acquisition The cash outflow to acquire intercompany notes in connection with acquisition made by the entity. Intercompany note relating to Hughes Acquisition Proceeds from Intercompany Notes Relating to Acquisition Intercompany note relating to Hughes Acquisition The cash inflow arising from intercompany notes in connection with acquisition made by the entity. Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction [Member] Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures, under the 401(k) Plan Represents the amount of discretionary contributions, net of forfeitures made by the employer to a defined contribution plan. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Net of Forfeitures All Other Segments and Eliminations [Member] All other and eliminations Represents information pertaining to all other segments and eliminations. Echo StarI [Member] EchoStar I Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar I. Echo Star VII [Member] EchoStar VII Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VII. Echo Star X [Member] EchoStar X Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar X. Echo Star XI [Member] EchoStar XI Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XI. Echo Star XIV [Member] EchoStar XIV Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XIV. Related Party Transactions Transferred Net Assets Net assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for HSS Tracking Stock (Note 2) Represents the amount of net assets transferred by the related party. Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Schedule of Carrying Amount of Net Assets Transferred under Tracking Stock Transaction [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying amounts of net assets transferred to HSS Tabular disclosure of the carrying amounts of net assets transferred under Tracking Stock Transaction. Schedule of Net Amount Credited to Shareholders Equity [TableText Block] Schedule of net amounts credited to HSS' shareholders' equity Tabular disclosure of net amounts credited to Shareholders' equity in consolidated financial statements. Available for Sale Securities Debt Maturities after Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities exceeding one year Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented. Hughes Retail Group [Member] Hughes Retail Group Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders Basic before Adjustment for Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to HSS Income (loss) before income taxes Net income after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period), excluding the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Loss Contingency Number of Patents Infringed Number of patents infringed Represents the number of patents infringed. Number of Solar Array Circuits Affected by Anomalies Number of solar array circuits affected by anomalies Represents the number of solar array circuits affected by anomalies. Number of Functional Solar Array Circuits Number of functional solar array circuits Represents the decrease in the number of functional solar array circuits which are affected by anomalies. The entire disclosure for information related to target or tracking stock. Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Targeted or Tracking Stock Disclosure [Text Block] United States UNITED STATES Taxes other than income taxes Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Cumulative foreign currency translation losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] 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 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Advertising expenses Advertising Expense Advertising Costs Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Affiliated entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars) Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Amortization of debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs amortized Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization expense Amortization of intangible assets and other Amortization of Intangible Assets Total assets Assets Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent Total current assets Assets, Current Satellites acquired under capital leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Noncurrent Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Contractual maturities of debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt securities with contractual maturities of one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Cost basis of strategic investment portfolio Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Marketable investment securities - current: Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities Total marketable investment securities Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities greater than one year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Debt securities with contractual maturities of one year or less Debt security Marketable investment securities Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Total marketable investment securities - current Marketable investment securities Available-for-sale Securities, Current Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Realized gains on the sales of available-for-sale marketable investment securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Estimated Fair Value Equity security Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Recognized gain on sale of strategic investment Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Progress billings offset against contracts in process Billed Contracts Receivable Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Marketable investment securities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Business Acquisition [Axis] Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Cash to be paid for each issued and outstanding share of common stock, vested stock option, unvested restricted stock unit and unvested stock option of Hughes pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Regulatory authorizations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Long-term liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] Other noncurrent assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Percentage of issued and outstanding shares acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Total revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Net income (loss) attributable to HSS Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Acquisition Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Purchase price allocation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other intangibles assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Hughes Acquisition costs Acquisition related transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Noncontrolling interests Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Counterparty Name [Axis] 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Depreciation expense - capital leases Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Less : Amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Less: Current portion Current portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Capital lease obligations Total Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligations, net of current portion Capital lease obligations, net of current portion Long-term portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Capital Lease Obligations Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Future minimum sublease rental income Capital Leases, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Capitalized in-orbit obligations Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Increase (decrease) in capital expenditures included in accounts payable 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years Net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Present value of net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital lease obligations 2014 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Amortization expense relating to externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Net carrying amount of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Acquisition of Hughes Communications, cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Class of Stock [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12) Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Class A common stock Common Class A [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Number of shares held Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HSS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Percentage of total revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Domain] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] 2015 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2018 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year Summary of contractual obligations Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] 2017 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2015 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Contract-based Contractual Rights [Member] Contractual rights Contractual Obligation, Future Minimum Payments Due, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2014 2016 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Total Contractual Obligation Satellite-related obligations Corporate Bonds Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Cost of sales - equipment Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost method Cost Method Investments Cost of Equipment and Services Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Costs of sales - services and other Cost of Services Cost of sales for the equipment and services received from DISH Network Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current benefit (provision): Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Debt and capital lease obligations Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Principal amount of debt issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Prior to June 15, 2015 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Prior to June 15, 2014 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Total debt and capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations. Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Spread over variable rate basis (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Outstanding loan balance forgiven related to transfer of regulatory authorization to EchoStar Debt Instrument, Decrease, Forgiveness Carrying Amount Long-term Debt, Gross Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt Issuance Cost Debt issuance costs incurred Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Issuance Costs Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest Rates (as a percent) Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, maximum (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, minimum (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Provision for income and withholding taxes on undistributed earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred benefit (provision): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax benefit Total deferred benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Current portion of net deferred tax assets Deferred revenue and prepayments Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Other assets Deferred Tax Assets, Other Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Unrealized loss on investments, net Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Other liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Unrealized gain on investments, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Total net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount Contribution limit per employee, as a percentage of eligible compensation Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees per year Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage Matching contributions made by the company during the year Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Depreciation and amortization expense Total depreciation expense Depreciation Depreciation expense Depreciation [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Total depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Technology-based Developed Technology Rights [Member] Dividend income Dividend Income, Operating Advances to affiliates, net Account receivable balance due Due from Related Parties, Current Advances from affiliates Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Advances from affiliates, net Due to Affiliate, Current Advances to affiliates Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Advances from affiliates, net Due to Related Parties, Current Outstanding loan balance Due to Related Parties Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Total effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Actual tax provision reconciliation to the amounts computed by applying statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] State income taxes, net of Federal effect (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Permanent difference (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Other (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Valuation allowance (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Statutory rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Stock option compensation (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock [Member] Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Equity method Equity Method Investments Ownership percentage of voting securities in investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting Equity interest in joint venture Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Component [Domain] Other Investment Securities - Cost and Equity Method Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Strategic equity security Equity security - strategic Equity Securities [Member] Total Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair value measurements on recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of marketable securities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Schedule of fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Orbital incentive obligations Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Weighted Average Useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite lives Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated future amortization of the entity's intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Other intangible assets, net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net Gain (Loss) on Investments Goodwill (non-deductible) Goodwill Balance at the end of the period Goodwill Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Hughes segment goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Intersegment Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Impairment of Long-lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment of long-lived asset Impairment loss Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of contract credit for launch services Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Components of income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income Taxes Income taxes Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Components of the (provision for) benefit from income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income tax benefit (expense) Income tax benefit (provision), net Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax benefit, net Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Advances from affiliates Increase (Decrease) in Due to Affiliates Accrued expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Impairment losses Impairments of Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite lives Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Estimated fair value Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Expense Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Capitalized interest Interest income and expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations Interest Expense [Member] Total inventory Inventory Inventory, Net Inventory Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Work-in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Interest income Investment Income, Net Investments Investment Owned, at Fair Value Total marketable and other investments Investments Investments Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Other investments Total other investments - noncurrent Investment Securities LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Land Land [Member] Total rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Capitalized in-orbit obligations Liabilities Assumed Liabilities Assumed Liabilities Other Than Longterm Debt Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total liabilities Liabilities Noncurrent Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Trade Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Present value of orbital incentives Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Less: Current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt obligations Long-term Debt [Member] Other investments - noncurrent: Other Investment Securities - Cost and Equity Method Long-term Investments [Abstract] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Customer [Axis] EchoStar Majority Shareholder [Member] Marketable Investment Securities Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Realized gains on sale of marketable investment securities Advertising Costs Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] All Other and Eliminations Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] North America North America [Member] Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Customer [Domain] Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net income (loss) attributable to HSS Net income (loss) attributable to HSS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Intercompany note payables Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Acquisition of Hughes Communications Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Favorable leases Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Sublease rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue Operating income Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Operating lease obligations Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Organization and Business Activities Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other noncurrent assets, net Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Unrealized losses on AFS securities and other Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities, net and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities included in net income (loss) Reclassification of realized gains on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities included in net income (loss) Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Estimated fair value of future launch services Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block] Other current assets Other Assets, Current Marketable investment securities included in capital contributions Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given Other current assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Regulatory authorizations Total regulatory authorizations Other Intangible Assets, Net Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Foreign currency translation adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Other (including restricted) Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other, net (includes reclassification of realized gains on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities out of accumulated other comprehensive loss of $2, $5, $10 and $22 respectively) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Accrued expenses and other Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current EchoStar HSS Parent Company [Member] Parent [Member] HSS Shareholder's Equity (Note 2) Amount funded Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Investment in Deluxe/Echo LLC (equip contribution) Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Purchase of strategic investments included in other investment securities Payments to Acquire Investments Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Hughes Communications, net of cash acquired of $98,900 Acquisition of Hughes Communications, net Purchases of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of property and equipment Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash paid for property, plant and equipment Investment in subsidiary Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs incurred Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Acquisition of Hughes Communications, net Acquisition of regulatory authorizations Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Contributions from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Cash received for interest Proceeds from Interest Received Net proceeds from issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2) Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Net proceeds from issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Net proceeds from issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Cash received for income taxes Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Amount received from exchange of spectrum rights Transfer of regulatory authorization to DISH Network Proceeds from the transfer of regulatory authorization to DISH Network Amount received in exchange for ownership of common shares Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Useful life Depreciable Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property and Equipment Total property and equipment Carrying amount Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Estimated fair value Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,865,483 and $1,676,182, respectively Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Carrying value Carrying amount Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment Property and Equipment Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Trade Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables, Net, Current Total trade accounts receivable, net Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fees included in the cost of sales-services and other Related party transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Interest rate (as a percent) Related Party Transaction, Rate Related Party [Axis] Expense recorded for services provided Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Counterparty Name [Domain] Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Services and other revenue - DISH Network Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Revenues Revenue Geographic Information Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] 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 Schedule of estimated future amortization of intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Equipment revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Equipment revenue - other Total revenue Total revenue Revenue, Net Revenue Revenue Sales [Member] Services and other revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Services and other revenue - other Final allocation of the purchase price Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed consolidating balance sheet Schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of income tax rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of income (loss) before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of 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 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 Capital Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of quarterly results of operations Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Summary of total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North American and other foreign locations Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Summary of sales to major customer and its percentage of total revenue Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows 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] Marketable investment securities and other investment securities Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of other intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Marketable investment securities and other investments Debt Security Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment Schedule of Goodwill [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 Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of trade accounts receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Principal Business Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segments [Domain] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Geographical [Domain] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses incurred from DISH Network Payments in connection with acquisition Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Minimum period for which full-time employees employed by the entity are eligible to participate in the ESPP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Employee benefit plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of shares that remain available for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of shares authorized for issue Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Equity Award [Domain] Balances (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Statement [Table] Statement Statement [Line Items] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Geographical [Axis] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Equity Components [Axis] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Segments [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Number of shares issued during the period Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Shareholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase in stockholders' equity Total HSS shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total shareholders' equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent events Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] HSS Subsidiaries [Member] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Table] Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Line Items] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Organization and Business Activities Tax credit carryforwards Tax credits available to offset future tax liabilities Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Trade accounts receivables Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Trademark portfolio Trademarks [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions based on tax settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, could affect our effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Beginning balance Ending balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Balance at Beginning of the Year Balance at End of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Valuation and qualifying accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] VRDNs Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] Ownership interest in related party (as a percent) Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage