Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A common stock Common Class A [Member] Class B common stock Common Class B [Member] Statement line items Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Satellite-related obligations Satellite Related Obligation [Member] Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Satellite-related obligations Contractual Obligation Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax provision, net Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class B convertible common stock Class C common stock Common Class C [Member] Class D common stock Common Class D [Member] Represents the Class D common stock. Assets: Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable investment securities, at fair value Marketable Securities, Current Trade accounts receivable and contract assets, net (Note 3) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Prepaids and deposits Prepaid Expense and Deposits Assets, Current Represents the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. It also represents the carrying value of amounts transferred to third parties for security purposes that are expected to be returned or applied towards payment within one year or during the operating cycle, if shorter. Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Noncurrent assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Regulatory authorizations, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $309,690 and $302,345, respectively Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Investments in unconsolidated entities Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Other receivables - DISH Network Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued expenses and other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Total EchoStar Corporation stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Other noncontrolling interests Other Noncontrolling Interests Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value measurements on recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Other debt securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Fair value of marketable securities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Debt securities Marketable Securities, Fixed Maturities Equity securities Marketable Securities, Equity Securities, Current Total marketable investment securities Marketable Securities Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accumulated Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Calculated Under Revenue Guidance In Effect Before Topic 606 And Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Calculated Under Revenue Guidance In Effect Before Topic 606 And Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Calculated Under Revenue Guidance In Effect Before Topic 606 And Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Trade accounts receivable and contract assets, net Total assets Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Total liabilities Stockholders’ Equity: Equity [Abstract] Total EchoStar Corporation stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax Realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Reclassification Adjustment of Noncredit Portion Included in Net Income, Availabe-for-sale Securities, before Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable To Preferred Tracking Stock Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar Corporation Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Services and other revenue - DISH Network Services and Other Revenue, Related Party Services and other revenue - Related Party. Services and other revenue - other Sales Revenue, Services, Net Equipment revenue - other Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Total revenue Revenue, Net Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Services Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Net Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Expense Gains (losses) on investments, net Gain (Loss) on Investments Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense), net Total Nonoperating Income (Expense), Interest And Debt Expense, and Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Represents, in the aggregate, total other income (expense), including but not limited to: income or (expense) from ancillary business-related activities; interest and debt related expenses associated with nonoperating financing activities of the entity; and the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied, which includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock (Note 1) Net Income Loss Attributable To Subsidiary Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to subsidiary preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Net income attributable to EchoStar Corporation Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: Net loss attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 1) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Net income attributable to EchoStar Corporation common stock Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Total basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Total diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Cumulative foreign currency translation losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income (loss) Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Gains (losses) on investments, net Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Total reclassifications, net of tax and noncontrolling interests Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in progress Schedule of Construction in Progress [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in progress. Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Hughes Business Hughes Business Segment [Member] Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. ESS Business EchoStar Satellite Services Business [Member] Represents Echo Star Satellite Services Business, a business segment of the entity which uses ten owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related FCC licenses to lease capacity on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network. Corporate and Other All Other Segments And Eliminations [Member] Represents information pertaining to segments not specifically identified and intersegment eliminations. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Canada and Mexico North America Other Than U S [Member] Represents information pertaining to North America other than the United States. All Other Geographic Segments [Member] All Other Geographic Segments [Member] Represents information pertaining to other geographical segments of the entity. Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Total revenue Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Supplemental Financial Information Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Equipment Revenue from Contract with Customers, Equipment, Net [Member] Aggregate revenue from contracts with customers during the period from the sale of equipments in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts. Services Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Services, Net [Member] Aggregate revenue from contracts with customers during the period from services rendered in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts. Design, development and construction services Revenue from Contract with Customers, Design, Development and Construction Services, Net [Member] Aggregate revenue from contract with customers during the period from the sale of design, development and construction services in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts. Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from sales and services Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Leasing income Lease Income Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Satellite And Tracking Stock Transaction [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Hughes Broadband Master Services Agreement. Share Exchange Agreement Share Exchange Agreement [Member] Share Exchange Agreement [Member] Patent Cross-License Agreements Patent Cross License Agreements [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Patent Cross-License Agreements. Orange New Jersey Orange New Jersey [Member] Orange New Jersey [Member] EchoStar Technologies Business EchoStar Technologies Business [Member] Represents EchoStar Technologies Business, a business segment of the entity which designs, develops and distributes digital set-top boxes and related products and technology and also provides digital broadcast operations. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] EchoStar and HSSC EchoStar And Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Caltech California Institute Of Technology [Member] Represents information pertaining to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] DISH Network D I S H Network [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. Other noncurrent assets, net Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Related party transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Represents the number of owned satellites transferred. Proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Ownership interest acquired by related party Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party. Agreement term Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Related party transactions agreement term. Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements Aggregate Payment under Agreement Less than Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements. Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised Aggregate Additional Payment if Option to Extend Agreements is Exercised Less than Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised. Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Number of Real Estate Properties Number of Real Estate Parcels Sold Number of Real Estate Parcels Sold Automatic renewal period Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period. Required minimum notice for termination of agreement Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of agreement. Contract Revenue Cost Contract Revenue Cost Required minimum notice for termination of individual service Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service. Term of renewal option Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Inventory, Net [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventory Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Land [Member] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Furniture Fixtures Equipment And Other [Member] Represents furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property, plant and equipment owned by the entity. Customer rental equipment Customer Rental Equipment [Member] Represents information pertaining to customer rental equipment. Satellites - owned Satellites [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites - acquired under capital leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Depreciable Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Hughes Systique Corporation Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Dish Mexico Dish Mexico [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Deluxe/EchoStar LLC Deluxe Echo Star L L C [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Deluxe /EchoStar LLC. AsiaSat AsiaSat [Member] AsiaSat [Member] Global IP Revenue [Member] Global IP Revenue [Member] Global IP Revenue [Member] TerreStar Solutions, Inc. [Member] TerreStar Solutions, Inc. [Member] Information pertaining to TerreStar Solutions, Inc. [Member] Ownership interest in related party Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage by related party Percentage Ownership in Variable Interest Entity by Other Related Parties Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties. Equity interest in joint venture Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Revenue recognized from related party Revenue from Related Parties Cost Method Investment Nonvoting Interest Ownership Percentage Cost Method Investment Nonvoting Interest Ownership Percentage The percentage of non-voting ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Receivables from related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cost of Sales and Research and Development Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cost of Sales and Research and Development Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cost of Sales and Research and Development Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of marketable investment securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [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 revenue, EBITDA, and capital expenditures by operating segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of EBITDA to reported income from continuing operations before income taxes Schedule of Reconciliation of EBITDA to Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of information which reconciles EBITDA to reported income or loss from continuing operations before income taxes. Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Progress amounts for satellite construction, including prepayments under capital leases and launch services costs Progress Amounts For Satellite Construction Including Prepayments Under Capital Leases And Launch Costs [Member] Represents information pertaining to Progress amounts for satellite construction including prepayments under capital leases and launch costs. Satellite related equipment Satellite Related Equipment [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Satellite related equipment. Other Construction In Progress Other [Member] Represents the information pertaining to other constructions in process. Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and Amortization, Nonproduction, Including Discontinued Operations For the entity and the disposal group, the current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Including Discontinued Operations For the entity and the disposal group, this item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs (Gains) losses and impairments on investments, net Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Stock-based compensation Shared-Based Compensation, Including Discontinued Operations The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration for the entity and the disposal group. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Deferred tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Dividend received from unconsolidated entity Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Proceeds from sale of trading securities Proceeds from (Payments for) Trading Securities, Short-term Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Accrued expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchases of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Expenditures for property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Refunds and other receipts related to property and equipment Refunds and other receipts related to property and equipment The cash inflow associated with the refunds and other receipts related to property and equipment. Sale of investment in unconsolidated entity Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Expenditures for externally marketed software Payments to Develop Software Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net proceeds from Class A common stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Cash exchanged for Tracking Stock (Note 1) Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Repayment of in-orbit incentive obligations Repayments of Other Debt Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted amounts Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted amounts, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted amounts, end of period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contract Assets Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contract Liabilities Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] Contract Acquisition Costs Revenue Recognition, Customer Acquisitions [Policy Text Block] Contract Fulfullment Costs Precontract Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized Software [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for costs incurred when both (1) the software is acquired, internally developed, or modified solely to meet the entity's internal needs, and (2) during the software's development or modification, no substantive plan exists or is being developed to market the software externally. This policy also may address the entity's amortization policy for its capitalized computer software costs and how it evaluates such capitalized costs for impairment. Marketable Investment Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment in Unconsolidated Entities Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Invidi Technologies Corporation [Member] Invidi Technologies Corporation [Member] Invidi Technologies Corporation [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Cost Method Investments Total investments in unconsolidated entities Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains Cost Method Investment, Amount Sold Cost Method Investment, Amount Sold Amount of the entity's cost method investment which has been sold Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Trade accounts receivable Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Lease Receivable Lease Receivable [Member] Lease Receivable [Member] Receivables [Abstract] Receivables [Abstract] Total trade accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Gross Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Total trade accounts receivable and contract assets, net Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Contract with Customer, Liability Contract with Customer, Liability Change in Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract] Change in Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract] Revenue, Performance Obligation [Abstract] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Recognition In Period, Percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Recognition In Period, Percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Recognition In Period, Percentage Schedule of regulatory authorizations with finite and indefinite useful lives Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. It also discloses the carrying value of intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Intersegment Elimination Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] EBITDA Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Capital expenditures Capital Expenditures, Net of Refunds and Other Receipts Related to Capital Expenditures The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale, net of refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures. Interest income and expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Depreciation and amortization Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Expenditures for property and equipment from our discontinued operations Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Available-for-sale securities: Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-For-Sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented. Unrealized gain on investments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies [Line Items] Fair value measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Amount of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy Fair Value Measurement Asset and Liability Transfers Between Levels Represents the amount of transfers between the levels of fair value hierarchy that have taken place during the period. Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract] Software useful life Software Useful Life Useful life of software that is either acquired, internally developed, or modified to meet the entity's needs. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Real Estate Leases to DISH Network Related Party Transactions, Lessor, Operating Lease, Real Estate [Member] Lease arrangements of real estate properties from reporting entity to related party. Real Estate Leases from DISH Network Related Party Transactions, Lessee, Operating Lease, Real Estate [Member] Lease arrangements of real estate properties from related party to reporting entity. EchoStar XVI Echo Star X V I [Member] Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. Nimiq5 [Member] Nimiq5 [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite Nimiq 15, which is leased from other third parties. QuetzSat-1 [Member] QuetzSat-1 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1. Telesat Canada Telesat Canada [Member] Represents details pertaining to Telesat Canada. SES Latin America S E S Latin America [Member] Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. Ciel Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Hughes Retail Group Hughes Retail Group [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Preferred Tracking Stock [Member] Represents information pertaining to tracking stock, a type of capital stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or track the economic performance of a particular business component within the company. Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Satellite Capacity Lease Agreement [Member] Satellite Capacity Lease Agreement [Member] TT&C Agreement Telemetry Tracking And Control Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the TT and C Agreement. 100 Inverness Lease Agreement 100 Inverness Lease Agreement [Member] Represent the details pertaining to 100 Inverness Lease Agreement. Meridian Lease Agreement Meridian Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Meridian Lease Agreement. Santa Fe Lease Agreement Santa Fe Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Santa Fe Lease Agreement. Cheyenne Lease Agreement Cheyenne Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Cheyenne Lease Agreement. Gilbert Lease Agreement Gilbert Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Gilbert Lease Agreement. TerreStar Agreement TerreStar Agreement [Member] TerreStar Agreement [Member] American Fork Occupancy License Agreement American Fork Occupancy License Agreement [Member] American Fork Occupancy License Agreement [Member] Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. DBSD North America Agreement D B S D North America Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. RUS Implementation Agreement RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement. Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement. Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Collocation and Antenna Space Agreements. Percentage of economic interest held Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Represents the percentage of economic interest held an entity. Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Lessor, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. Grants receivable Related Party Transactions, Grants Receivable by Related Party Related party transactions, grants receivable by related party. Agreement term from commencement of service date Related Party Transactions Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Reduction in term of first renewal option Renewal Option, Reduction in Years Renewal Option, Reduction in Years Additional term of renewal option Related Party Transactions, Agreement Renewal Option Additional Term Represents the additional term of renewal option. Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Expected to Receive Services Per Agreement Related party transactions number of DBS transponders expected to receive services per agreement. Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving services. Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services subleased back from related party Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Sublease Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving sublease services. Required minimum notice for termination or agreement if month-to-month Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement After Lease Extension Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement After Lease Extension Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Required notice for renewal of agreement Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Notice Required by Reporting Entity Number of successive one year renewal options Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Principal Business Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Preferred stock Preferred Stock [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Table] The table contains disclosure pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Echostar Corporation Parent Company [Member] Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (HSSC) Subsidiaries [Member] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Line Items] Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Tabular disclosure of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the entity. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite Lived Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Represents information pertaining to the definite lived regulatory authorizations. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite Lives Indefinite Lived Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Information pertaining to indefinite lived regulatory authorizations. Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Gross [RollForward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at the beginning of the period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Currency Translation Adjustment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Gross Currency Translation Adjustment Amount of increase (decrease) to gross assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life for foreign currency translation adjustments. Balance at the end of the period Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization [RollForward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at the beginning of the period Additions Amortization Currency Translation Adjustment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Translation Adjustments Amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life for foreign currency translation adjustments. Balance at the end of the period Net Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Additions Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization, Additions Amount of increase (decrease) in finite lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, that is from additions, Currency Translation Adjustment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Currency Translation Adjustment, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Currency Translation Adjustment, Net Balance at the end of the period Indefinite lives Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Balance at the end of the period Total regulatory authorizations, net Other Intangible Assets Net [RollForward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at the beginning of the period Additions Other Intangible Assets, Additions Amount of increase (decrease) of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life and having a projected indefinite period of benefit, from additions. Currency Translation Adjustment Other Intangible Assets Net Translation Adjustments Amount of increase (decrease) of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life and having a projected indefinite period of benefit, from foreign currency translation adjustments. Balance at the end of the period Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Equipment, services and other revenue - DISH Network Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue, Related Party Amount of revenue from related party attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Equipment, services and other revenue - other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue, Other Amount of other revenue attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Total revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Cost of equipment, services and other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Research and development expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Research and Development Expense Amount of research and development expense attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Depreciation and amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Total costs and expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Operating income (expense) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Amount of income (loss) from equity method investments attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Other, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income (Expense) Amount of other income (expense) attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Total income (expense), net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Nonoperating Income (Loss) Amount of nonoperating income (loss) attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax benefit (provision) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Total assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Total liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense [Member] Cost of Sales Cost of Sales [Member] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Contract Acquisition Costs Contract Acquisition Costs [Member] Contract Acquisition Costs [Member] Contract Fulfillment Costs Contract Fulfillment Costs [Member] Contract Fulfillment Costs [Member] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Property and equipment financed under capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Decrease in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net Increase (Decrease) In Capital Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred. Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations Liabilities Assumed Noncash net assets exchanged for Tracking Stock (Note 1) Noncash Or Part Noncash Transaction, Net Assets Exchange, Preferred Stock Repurchase Amount represent noncash assets transferred in exchange for repurchase of preferred stock Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash In-orbit incentive obligations Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Capitalized Contract Cost [Abstract] Capitalized Contract Cost [Abstract] Contract acquisition costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Contract acquisition costs, amortization Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Research and Development Expense [Abstract] Research and Development Expense [Abstract] Capitalized computer software, net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized software development costs for software sold to customers Capitalized Software Development Costs for Software Sold to Customers Payments to develop software Capitalized computer software, amortization Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Satellites Depreciation expense Depreciation [Abstract] Total depreciation expense Depreciation Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 And 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 And 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 And [Member] Balance Sheet Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Stockholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Statement of Operations Total costs and expenses Operating income Other income (expense): Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Total other expense, net Income from continuing operations before income taxes Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Total diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total other comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar Corporation Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Senior Secured Notes6.50 Percent Due2019 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 Senior Secured Notes 5.250 Percent Due 2026 [Member] 5.250% Senior Secured Notes Due 2026 [Member] 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 Senior Notes7.625 Percent Due2021 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. 6 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes 6.625 Percent Due 2026 [Member] 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 [Member] Unamortized debt issuance costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Effective Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Carrying Amount Long-term Debt, Gross Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Carrying amount Long-term Debt Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total debt and capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less: Current portion Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock awards Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Class A and B Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest in HSS Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other Noncontrolling Interests Other Noncontrolling Interests [Member] ss Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Employee benefits Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Reacquisition and retirement of Tracking Stock pursuant to Share Exchange Agreement (Note 1) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value R&D tax credits utilized by DISH Network Charge Recorded in Additional Paid in Capital Related Tax Credit Utilized Represents information about charge recorded in additional paid in capital related utilized tax credit. Unrealized gains (losses) and impairment on available-for-sale securities, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gains Losses on Available-for-sale Securities, And Other Adjustments, Net of Tax Represents the sum of the unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, the reclassification adjustment impact on the statement of operations, and other adjustments. Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Other debt securities Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Total marketable investment securities Less: Restricted marketable investment securities Marketable Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 satelite [Member] Echo Star X [Member] Echo Star X [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar X. Telesat 19V satellite [Member] Telesat 19V satellite [Member] Telesat 19V satellite [Member] Lessee, Finance Lease, Term of Contract Lessee, Finance Lease, Term of Contract Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity. Length of satellites utilized in geosynchronous orbit above the equator (in miles) Satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit Length Above Equator Represents the length of satellites in geosynchronous orbit above the equator. Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Received Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Received Number Of Solar Array Circuits Affected Number Of Solar Array Circuits Affected Number of solar array circuits affected due to anomalies. Number Of Functional Solar Array Circuits Number Of Functional Solar Array Circuits The number of functional solar array circuits remaining after solar anomalies. Revenue, Net, Reduction In Period Revenue, Net, Reduction In Period Net income attributable to EchoStar Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income from discontinued operations Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Total basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Patent 728 [Member] Patent 728 [Member] Patent 728 [Member] Subsidiaries Echo Star Corporation [Member] Echo Star Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar Corporation. HNS Hughes Network Systems [Member] Hughes Network Systems [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Elbit Elbit [Member] Elbit [Member] Realtime Data LLC Realtime Data LLC [Member] Realtime Data LLC [Member] Commitment and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Attorney's Fees Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Attorney's Fees Sought, Value The value (monetary amount) of the attorney's fees the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter. Loss Contingency, Invalidated Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Invalidated Claims, Number Number of invalidated claims pertaining to a loss contingency. Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Validity Not Challenged Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Validity Not Challenged Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Validity Not Challenged Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options Employee And Non Employee Stock Option [Member] Contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, either to purchase or to sell a certain number of shares of stock at a predetermined price for a specified period of time. Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Stock options and other incentive awards granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Allocated share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-Based Compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeiture Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Member] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Member] Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Trading Securities, Equity Trading Securities, Equity Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Unrealized Gains on Securities Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Schedule of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]