Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred 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. Preferred Tracking Stock [Member] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Available-for-sale Securities, Current Marketable investment securities Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable, net Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,627 and $11,950, respectively Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax assets Inventory, Net Inventory Total inventory 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. Prepaid Expense and Deposits Assets, Current Prepaids and deposits Due from Related Parties, Current Advances to affiliates, net Account receivable balance due Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Assets: Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash and cash equivalents Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,873,371 and $2,053,636, respectively Other Intangible Assets, Net Regulatory authorizations Goodwill Goodwill Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other intangible assets, net Carrying Amount Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Total other investments - noncurrent Other investments Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Less: Current portion Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Due to Related Parties, Current Advances from affiliates, net Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Deferred revenue and prepayments Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Liabilities: Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Advances from affiliates Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized: Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock, $0.001 par value; 300 shares authorized, 81.128 shares issued and outstanding at each of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding at each of March 31,2015 and December 31, 2014 Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated earnings Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total HSS shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars) 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 Receivable from Related Parties, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars) Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued (in shares) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Revenues [Abstract] Revenue: Sales Revenue, Services, Net Services and other revenue - other Services and other revenue - Related Party. Services and Other Revenue Related Party Services and other revenue - DISH Network Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Equipment revenue - other Equipment revenue related party. Equipment Revenue Related Party Equipment revenue - DISH Network Revenue, Net Total revenue Total revenue Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses: Cost of Services Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Costs of sales - services and other Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Research and Development Expense Research and development expenses Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Income (Expense): Investment Income, Net Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net (includes reclassification of realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities out of accumulated other comprehensive loss of zero, and $8 respectively) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision, net Income tax benefit (provision), net Income tax expense Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net income Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income attributable to HSS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income : Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax Unrealized gains on AFS securities and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax 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), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to HSS CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of debt issuance costs Gain (Loss) on Investments Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Capital expenditures Cash paid for property, plant and equipment Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Net proceeds from issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2) Proceeds from issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Proceeds from capital contributions from parent Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Interest Paid Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Interest Costs Capitalized Capitalized interest Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash paid for income taxes Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations Liabilities Assumed Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations Liabilities Assumed 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 Obligations and Associated Gain Value 1 Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Increase in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net Represents the amount of net assets transferred by the related party. Related Party Transactions Transferred Net Assets Net noncash assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for HSS Tracking stock (Note 2) Represents the amount of net assets transferred related to Tracking Stock Transaction. Net Assets Transferred Related to Tracking Stock Transaction Net assets transferred from EchoStar related to Tracking Stock Transaction (Note 2) Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Business Activities Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock The entire disclosure for information related to target or tracking stock. Targeted or Tracking Stock Stock Disclosure [Text Block] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Investment Securities Trade Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Property and Equipment Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development 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] Capitalized Software Costs New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule of marketable investment securities and other investments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value measurements Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of trade accounts receivable Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Schedule of construction in progress. Schedule of Construction in Progress [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in progress Schedule of depreciation expense. Schedule of Depreciation Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of other intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of the entity's debt Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue, capital expenditures and EBITDA by operating segments Tabular disclosure of information which reconciles EBITDA to reported net income. Schedule Of Reconciliation Of E B I T D A To Net Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of EBITDA to reported net income Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of consolidating balance sheet Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of consolidating statement of cash flows Number of Reportable Segments Number of business segments Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Table] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Satellite And Tracking Stock Transaction [Member] Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. D I S H Network [Member] DISH Network Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group. Hughes Retail Group [Member] Hughes Retail Group Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Line Items] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Carrying amount of net assets transferred to shareholders' equity Represents the percentage of economic interest held. Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Percentage of economic interest held Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Echo Star And Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] EchoStar and HSSC Parent Company [Member] HSS Represents the number of owned satellites transferred. Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Represents the number of satellites received. Related Party Transactions Number of Satellites Received Number of satellites received Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Number of shares issued during the period Represents the portion of one vote entitled to each share of tracking stock. Targeted or Tracking Stock Portion of Vote Entitled to Each Share Portion of one vote entitled to each share Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Accounting Policies [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum Maximum [Member] Maximum Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 2 Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting policy disclosures Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Useful life Depreciable Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite lived intangible assets useful life Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Represents the amount of transfers between the levels of fair value hierarchy that have taken place during the period. Fair Value Measurement Asset and Liability Transfers Between Levels Amount of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Orbital incentive obligations Research and Development Expense [Abstract] Research and Development Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract] Capitalized Software Costs Useful life of software that is either acquired, internally developed, or modified to meet the entity's needs. Software Useful Life Useful life of the software Capitalized Computer Software, Net Net carrying amount of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Additions Capitalized costs related to development of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Amortization expense relating to externally marketed software New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Gross Unamortized deferred costs Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative foreign currency translation losses Schedule of Investments [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Corporate Bonds Equity Securities [Member] Strategic equity securities Other Debt Securities [Member] Other. Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Marketable investment securities and other investments Debt Security Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Marketable investment securities - current: Long-term Investments [Abstract] Other investments - noncurrent: Other Investment Securities - Cost and Equity Method Cost Method Investments Cost method Equity Method Investments Equity method Investments Total marketable and other investments Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Amount of accumulated unrealized gain before deducting unrealized loss on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Available for Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated in Investments Unrealized Gains Amount of accumulated unrealized loss before deducting unrealized gain on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Available for Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated in Investments Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities Total marketable investment securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Estimated Fair Value Debt security Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Equity security Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Contractual maturities of debt securities Available for sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities of one year or less Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented. Available for Sale Securities Debt Maturities after Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities exceeding one year Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities in a loss position 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. 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 twelve months or longer impacting investments. Available for Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position,12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments 12 months or more Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities, impacting investments. Available for Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments Total Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale marketable investment securities Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair value measurements on recurring basis Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of marketable securities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Investment Owned, at Fair Value Investments Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Trade accounts receivables Amounts due from customers or clients for contracts in process. Accounts Receivable Contracts In Process [Member] Contracts in process, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Trade accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Total trade accounts receivables Receivables, Net, Current Total trade accounts receivable, net Billed Contracts Receivable Progress billings offset against contracts in process Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work-in process Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land Building And Building Improvements [Member] Buildings and improvements Represents the furniture, fixtures, equipment and other related items owned by the entity. Furniture Fixtures Equipment And Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Represents the information pertaining to customer rental equipment. Customer Rental Equipment [Member] Customer rental equipment Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites [Member] Satellites Assets Held Under Capital Leases [Member] Satellites acquired under capital leases Construction In Progress [Member] Construction in progress Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total property and equipment Represents the information pertaining to Uplinking and Gateway equipment satellite. Uplinking And Gateway Equipment [Member] Uplinking equipment Represents information pertaining to buildings, improvements and other constructions in progress. Construction In Progress Other [Member] Construction in progress: Other Represents information pertaining to other satellites under construction. Progress Amounts For Satellite Construction Other [Member] Satellite under construction: Other Construction in Progress, Gross Construction in progress Depreciation [Abstract] Depreciation expense Depreciation Total depreciation expense Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-16, which was leased from other third parties. A M C16 [Member] AMC-16 Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by the reporting entity. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Number of satellites utilized under operating lease Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term Operating lease, amended agreement term 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] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer relationships Contractual Rights [Member] Contract-based Developed Technology Rights [Member] Technology-based Trademarks [Member] Trademark portfolio Off Market Favorable Lease [Member] Favorable leases Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. Senior Secured Notes6.50 Percent Due2019 [Member] 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. Senior Notes7.625 Percent Due2021 [Member] 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 Notes Payable Other Payables [Member] Other Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest Rates (as a percent) Long-term Debt, Gross Carrying Amount Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations. Total debt and capital lease obligations Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective income tax rate Schedule of information pertaining to contractual obligations of the entity. Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table] Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations Type [Axis] 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] Contractual Obligations Type [Domain] Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Satellite Related Obligation [Member] Satellite-related obligations Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Contractual Obligation Satellite-related obligations Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating segments Material Reconciling Items [Member] All Other and Eliminations Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intersegment Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. Hughes Business Segment [Member] Hughes 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. Echo Star Satellite Services Business [Member] EchoStar Satellite Services Business All Other Segments And Eliminations [Member] All other and eliminations Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Earnings before Interest Tax, Depreciation and Amortization EBITDA Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest income and expense, net Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated entity Represents the details pertaining to Telesat Canada. Telesat Canada [Member] Telesat Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. S E S Latin America [Member] SES Latin America Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] Hughes Systique Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Dish Mexico [Member] Dish Mexico Majority Shareholder [Member] EchoStar. Represents details pertaining to Deluxe/EchoStar LLC. Deluxe Echo Star L L C [Member] Deluxe Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Ciel Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar Corporation. Echo Star Corporation [Member] EchoStar Represents information pertaining to Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes Network Systems L L C [Member] HNS Represents the information pertaining to under construction satellite assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XVI. Echo Star X V I [Member] EchoStar XVI Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement. Nimiq5 Agreement [Member] Nimiq 5 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement. D I S H Telesat Agreement [Member] DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Agreement. Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member] Quetz Sat-1 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. Quetz Sat1 Transponder Agreement [Member] QuetzSat-1 Transponder Represents the details pertaining to TT and C Agreement. Telemetry Tracking And Control Agreement [Member] TT&C Agreement Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar Professional Services Agreement. Echo Star Professional Services Agreement [Member] EchoStar Professional Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. D B S D North America Agreement [Member] DBSD North America Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the HNS and dishNet Satellite Broadband distribution agreement. Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement [Member] Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement Represents information pertaining to the tax sharing agreement. Tax Sharing Agreement [Member] Tax Sharing Agreement Represents details pertaining to satellite capacity leased to Dish Network. Satellite Capacity Leased To Dish Network [Member] Satellite capacity leased to Dish Network Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transactions Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Expense recorded for services provided Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. 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 term. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Agreement term 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 Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving services. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services 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 Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Automatic renewal period 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 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 Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Advances to affiliates Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Term of renewal option Represents the additional term of renewal option. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option Additional Term Additional term of renewal option Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Number of additional one-year renewal options Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party. Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent) Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Ownership interest in related party (as a percent) 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 Revenue from Related Parties Revenue from related parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Receivables from related parties Represents the amount agreed to be funded under the term loan facility. Related Party Transaction Amount Agreed to be Funded Under Term Loan Facility Amount agreed to be funded under term loan facility Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties Amount funded Related Party Transaction, Rate Interest rate (as a percent) Proceeds from Collection of (Payments to Fund) Long-term Loans to Related Parties Loan repayment proceeds Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Eliminations Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Other current assets 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. Investments in Subsidiaries Investment in subsidiaries Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Due to Affiliate, Current Advances from affiliates, net Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other Other noncurrent liabilities Other non-current liabilities Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Represents equity in earnings of guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation. Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, 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. Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Miscellaneous Other, net Represents the amount after tax, resulting from the earnings from subsidiaries accounted under equity method. Other Comprehensive Income, Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Arising During Period, Net of Tax Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] 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 Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Investment in subsidiary Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Research and development expenses directly funded by customers as a result of research and development efforts generally conducted in direct response to the specific requirements of a customer's order. Research And Development Expense Funded By Customers [Member] Research and development expense funded by customers Represents research and developement expenses funded by the Company, rather than being directly funded by customers as a response to the specific requirements of a customer's order. Research And Development Expense Not Funded By Customers [Member] Research and development expense not funded by customers Represents information pertaining to the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite. E U T E L S A T65 West A [Member] EUTELSAT 65 West A Represents information pertaining to capital leased assets owned by the entity, EchoStar 105/SES-11. Echo Star105 S E S11 [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11