Represents the details pertaining to the Varick sublease agreement with DISH Network. Varick Sbulease Agreement [Member] Varick Sublease Agreement Represents the Class D common stock. Class D common stock Common Class D [Member] Marketable investment securities, restricted cash, and other investment securities Investment [Table Text Block] Vigilos, LLC Represents details pertaining to Vigilos, LLC. Vigilos LLC [Member] E-Contract LLC Technology [Member] E-Contract Technologies, LLC Represents details pertaining to E-Contract Technologies, LLC. DISH Network Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. DISH Network [Member] Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming Represents details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement for certain sports related programming. Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming [Member] Award Type [Axis] QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member] DISHOnline.com Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. DISHOnline.Com Services Agreement [Member] Joint Venture in Taiwan Represents the details pertaining to the joint venture entered into by the entity in Taiwan. Joint Venture in Taiwan [Member] Telesat Canada Represents details pertaining to Telesat Canada. Telesat Canada [Member] Amendment Description SES Latin America [Member] SES Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. Amendment Flag Nimiq 5 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement. Nimiq5 Agreement [Member] DISH Remote Access Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. DISH Remote Access Services Agreement [Member] Management Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to Management Services Agreement. Management Services Agreement [Member] Terre Star Network Inc. Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Network Inc., a legal entity. TerreStar Network Inc [Member] 6 1/2 % Senior Exchangeable Paid-In-Kind Notes Due June 15, 2014 Represents details pertaining to the 6.5 percent Senior Exchangeable Paid-in-Kind notes, due in 2014 Senior Exchangeable Paid in Kind 6.50 Notes Due 2014 [Member] Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Hughes Communications and its subsidiaries. Hughes Acquisition Hughes Communications [Member] SlingService Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Sling Service Services Agreement. Sling Service Services Agreement [Member] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Real Estate Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Real Estate Lease Agreement. Real Estate Lease Agreement [Member] DISH Telesat Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement. DISH Telesat Agreement [Member] Strategic Investments in debt or equity securities of public companies that are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. Strategic Marketable Investment Securities [Member] Other (including restricted) Investments in debt securities other than variable rate demand obligations, auction-rate securities, or mortgage-backed securities. Includes investments that are restricted and those that are not restricted. Other Debt Securities Nonrestricted and Restricted [Member] Dish Mexico Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Dish Mexico [Member] NagraStar Represents the equity method investee of the entity. NagraStar LLC [Member] Hughes Systique Corporation Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] North America [Member] North America Represents the information about transactions with North American locations of the entity. Represents the information pertaining to all other geographical segments of the entity. All other All Other Geographic Segments [Member] Current Fiscal Year End Date 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. Senior Secured Notes 6.50 Percent, Due 2019 [Member] 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. Senior Notes 7.625 Percent, Due 2021 [Member] Other Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other notes payable. Mortgage and Other Notes Payable [Member] Brazilian Orbital Slots [Member] Brazilian Orbital Slot Represents the details pertaining to Brazilian Orbital Slots. Orbital Rights [Member] Total orbital rights Represents information pertaining to the orbital rights. Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses FCC Authorization Rights [Member] FCC authorizations Represents the details pertaining to Federal Communications Commission authorization rights. Brazil Authorization Rights [Member] Brazil authorization Represents the details pertaining to Brazil authorization rights. Move Network Services Agreement [Member] Move Networks Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Move Networks Services Agreement. Patent Cross License Agreements [Member] Patent Cross-License Agreements Represents the details pertaining to the Patent Cross-License Agreements. EchoStar Satellite Services Business Represents Satellite Services Business, a business segment of the entity which uses ten owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related FCC licenses to lease capacity on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network. Satellite Services Business [Member] Document Period End Date Represents the details pertaining to the long-term incentive plans of the entity. Long-term performance based plans Long Term Performance Based Plans [Member] Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Represents furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property, plant and equipment owned by the entity. Furniture Fixtures Equipment and Other [Member] Satellites Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites [Member] Amortization of intangible assets and other Represent the information pertaining to intangible assets which are subject to amortization. Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Holder [Axis] Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by the entity prior to the spin-off. Represents the stock awards held by employees of the entity. Held by EchoStar employees Held by Employees of Entity [Member] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment, Original Award Issuer [Axis] Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by the entity prior to the spin-off. Represents details pertaining to the entity's stock awards. EchoStar Awards Entity Stock Awards [Member] Derivative, Notional Amount Notional amount of foreign currency forward contract Held by DISH Network employees Held by Employees of Related Party [Member] Represents the stock awards held by employees of the related party. Entity [Domain] Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Represents details pertaining to the related party stock awards. DISH Network Awards Related Party Awards [Member] Represents details pertaining to the long-term, performance based stock incentive plan (the 2005 LTIP). LTIP 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] Restricted performance units awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Restricted Performance Units Restricted Performance Units [Member] 12 or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Represents details pertaining to the non-performance based awards of the entity. Non-Performance Based Stock Awards Non Performance Based Stock Awards [Member] EchoStar Technologies Business 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. EchoStar Technologies Business [Member] Hughes Business Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. Hughes Business Segment [Member] Bell TV Represents Bell TV, a major customer of the entity. Bell TV [Member] All other Represents other major customers of the entity. Other Major Customers [Member] Receiver Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Receiver Agreement. Receiver Agreement [Member] Receiver Agreement 2012 [Member] 2012 Receiver Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Broadcast Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement. Broadcast Agreement [Member] EchoStar XVI Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. EchoStar XVI [Member] Echo Star XVII [Member] Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVII. EchoStar XVII TT&C Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the TT and C Agreement. Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member] Inverness Lease Agreement [Member] Inverness Lease Agreement Represent the details pertaining to Inverness Lease Agreement. Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Unrealized Gains Santa Fe Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Santa Fe Lease Agreement. Santa Fe Lease Agreement [Member] Gilbert Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Gilbert Lease Agreement. Gilbert Lease Agreement [Member] Product Support Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Product Support Agreement. Product Support Agreement [Member] Professional Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Professional Services Agreement. Professional Services Agreement [Member] Satellite capacity leased from Dish Network Represents details pertaining to Satellite services leased from Dish Network. Satellite Services Leased from Dish Network [Member] Remanufactured Receiver Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. Remanufactured Receiver Agreement [Member] Sprint Settlement Agreement [Member] Sprint Settlement Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Sprint Settlement Agreement. EchoStar VI Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VI. EchoStar VI [Member] DBSD North America Agreement [Member] DBSD North America Agreement Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] RUS Service Implementation Agreement Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement. EchoStar XVII or Jupiter [Member] EchoStar XVII/Jupiter Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XVII or Jupiter satellite. Blockbuster Represents the details pertaining to Blockbuster, Inc. Blockbuster Inc [Member] Contractual Obligations, Type [Axis] Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity. Ti Vovs Dish Network and Echostar Corporation [Member] TiVo vs. Dish Network and Echostar Corporation Represents information pertaining to legal proceedings of TiVo vs. Dish Network and Echostar Corporation. DISH Broadband [Member] DISH Broadband Represents the details pertaining to DISH Broadband. Terre Star Agreement [Member] TerreStar Agreement Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Agreement. Document and Entity Information Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Deferred Revenue and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent This element represents the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations of deferred revenue amount and liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties Current. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars) Equipment revenue - DISH Network Equipment Revenue, Related Party Equipment revenue related party. Services and other revenue - Related Party. Services and Other Revenue, Related Party Services and other revenue - DISH Network Reduction of capital lease obligations for AMC-16 Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations And Associated Asset Value Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Asset, Value Launch service assigned to DISH Network (Note 17) Launch service sold to related parties noncash Launch Service Sold to Related Parties Noncash Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Asset, Value 1 Reduction of capital lease obligations and associated asset value for AMC-16 (Note 6) Represents the amount with respect to reduction of capital lease obligations and associated asset value. Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Asset, Value 2 Reduction of capital lease obligations for AMC-16 (Note 6) Represents the amount with respect to reduction of capital lease obligations. Launch service assigned to DISH Network (Note 17) Launch service sold to related parties Launch Service Sold to Related Parties Contribution of cash and cash equivalents from DISH Network in connection with the SpinOff Contribution of cash and cash equivalents in connection with spin off. Contribution of Cash and Cash Equivalents in Connection with Spin Off Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation policy. Sales Tax [Policy Text Block] Sales Taxes Disclosure of accounting policy related to sales tax. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cost of Equipment and other Sales Policy Cost of Equipment and Other Sales Cost of equipment and other sales policy. Subscriber Acquisition Costs, [Policy Text Block] Deferred Subscriber Acquisition Costs Subscriber acquisition costs policy text block. Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Marketable and Other Investment Securities Fair Value Method Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable and Other Investment Securities -Fair Value Method Marketable and other investment securities fair value method policy. Entity Voluntary Filers Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block] Goodwill, Indefinite Lived Assets and FCC Authorizations Represents the disclosure of accounting policy for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Entity Current Reporting Status Cost of Equipment and Services [Policy Text Block] Cost of Equipment and Services Represents the disclosure of accounting policy for cost of equipment and services. Entity Filer Category Schedule of Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of dilutive securities not included in the diluted EPS calculation Schedule of dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share. Entity Public Float Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Amount receivable from related party Schedule of Summarized Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of summarized financial information. Summarized financial information Entity Registrant Name Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense. Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Entity Central Index Key Schedule of Construction in Process [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in process. Components of construction in process Schedule of Satellites [Table Text Block] Schedule of satellites Schedule of satellites. Schedule of Interest on Long Term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest on long-term debt Schedule of interest on long-term debt. Schedule of Other Long Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of other long-term debt and capital lease obligations Schedule of other long-term debt and capital lease obligations. Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Schedule of Share Based Compensation, Realized Tax Benefits from Stock Awards Exercised [Table Text Block] Schedule of realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised Schedule of share based compensation realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised. Schedule of Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block] Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable. Schedule of Unrecognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense Under the 2005 LTIP [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrecognized non-cash, stock-based compensation expense under the 2005 LTIP Schedule of unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense under the 2005 LTIP. Schedule of Nonvested Performance Based Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of awards outstanding under 2005 LTIP Schedule of nonvested performance based plans. Stock Awards Outstanding by Company and Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock awards outstanding Stock awards outstanding by company and award. Move Networks Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Move Networks. Move Networks [Member] Senior Secured Bridge Financing Commitment Senior secured bridge financing commitment to finance the Hughes Merger Amount of aggregate financing commitment in senior secured bridge financing obtained from Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch by the entity and EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., ("ESS") in order to finance the Hughes Merger. Senior Unsecured Bridge Financing Commitment Senior unsecured bridge financing commitment to finance the Hughes Merger Amount of aggregate financing commitment in senior unsecured bridge financing obtained from Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch by the entity and EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., ("ESS") in order to finance the Hughes Merger. Bridge Commitment Initial Term Initial term of the Bridge Commitment Initial term of the Bridge Commitment, an aggregate financing commitment in senior secured bridge financing and senior unsecured bridge financing from Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch in order to finance the Hughes Merger. Bridge Commitment Extendable Term Extendable term of the Bridge Commitment Extendable term of the Bridge Commitment so long as we have delivered certain required information, including certain financial statements, and have complied with our obligations to issue debt securities in lieu of borrowing under the Bridge Commitment. Business Acquisition, Period over which Merger Agreement Cannot be Terminated Period over which the Hughes Agreement cannot be terminated Period, after the date the Hughes Agreement was executed, over which the Hughes Agreement cannot be terminated by the entity subject to certain exceptions. Number of Owned and Leased in Orbit Satellites Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites. Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Amount [Abstract] Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount due to contingency terms upon meeting certain company goal which was not probable of being achieved. Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Available For Sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) before Tax Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss), before tax amount Represents the gross unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss). Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Represents the gross unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss). Available For Sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) During Period Tax Marketable and other investment securities - noncurrent: Marketable and Other Investment Securities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Document Fiscal Year Focus Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities. Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents and other investment securities Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Other Investment Securities Document Fiscal Period Focus Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Six Months, Fair Value Less than Six Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position less than six months fair value. Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Six to Nine Months Fair Value Six to Nine Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position six to nine months aggregate losses. Nine Months or More Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position nine months or more fair value. Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Nine Months or More Fair Value Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position less than six months aggregate losses. Less than Six Months Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Six Months Aggregate Losses Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Six to Nine Months Aggregate Losses Six to Nine Months Available-for-sale securities continuous unrealized loss position six to nine months aggregate losses. Available For Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Nine or More Months Aggregate Losses Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position nine or more months aggregate losses. Nine Months or More Marketable and other Investment securities - noncurrent Represents the long-term investment in marketable and other securities. Marketable and Other Investment Securities Noncurrent [Member] Marketable Debt and Equity Securities Marketable debt and equity securities Marketable debt and equity securities. Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Amount payable to related party Represents details pertaining to 15 percent Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes, due in 2014. 15% Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes due February 15, 2014 Senior Secured Paid in Kind Notes 15 Percent, Due 2014 [Member] February 2008 Secured Financing Commitment Represents details pertaining to 15 percent Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes, due in 2014. February 2008 Secured Financing Commitment [Member] Debtor-In-Possession Credit Facility Represents details pertaining to 15 percent Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes, due in 2014. Debtor in Possession Credit Facility [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Credit Facility [Member] Credit facility Represents details pertaining to the credit facility. Document Type Statements of Operations Data [Abstract] Statements of Operations Data (unaudited) Percentage of Hypothetical Adverse Change in Price of Debt Instruments Percent of hypothetical adverse change in the price of debt instruments. Hypothetical adverse change in the price of debt instruments (as a percent) Amount Funded to Debtors under Credit Facility Represents the amount funded to the debtors under the Credit Facility. Amount funded to debtors under the Credit Facility Amount Owed to Entity under Terms of Credit Agreement Represents the amount owed to the entity under terms of credit agreement for secured financing. Amount owed to entity under the terms of credit agreement Aggregate principal amount of non-revolving multiple draw term loan Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,530 and $18,484, respectively Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Approximate Decrease in Fair Value of Debt Investments Due to Hypothetical Adverse Change Approximate decrease in fair value of debt investments due to hypothetical adverse change. Approximate decrease in fair value of debt investments Period of Investment Period of investment. Period of investment Significant Acquisitions and Disposals Transaction Costs Cash purchase price Significant acquisitions and disposals, transaction costs. Unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for at fair value net. Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Accounted for at Fair Value, Net Unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for at fair value, net Commitment under Credit Agreement Commitment under credit agreement. Commitment under credit agreement Shares of Common Stock Issued to Acquire Spectrum Shares of common stock issued to acquire spectrum. Shares of common stock issued to acquire spectrum Frequency of Spectrum Acquired Frequency of spectrum acquired (in GHz) Frequency of spectrum acquired. Number of Board Members Entity May Appoint under Master Investment Agreement Number of board members the Company may appoint under Master Investment Agreement Number of board members entity may appoint under Master Investment Agreement. TerreStar Corporation and TerreStar Network Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Corporation and TerreStar Network Inc. Terre Star Corporation and TerreStar Network Inc [Member] Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable Terre Star Corporation Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Corporation, a legal entity. TerreStar Corporation [Member] Represents a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. Gamma Acquisition LLC [Member] Gamma Acquisition L.L.C. (Gamma) Assets purchase agreement with TerreStar Networks, Inc. (TerreStar) Represents the asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of TerreStar Networks, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Asset Purchase Agreement Terre Star [Member] Uplink equipment Represents the information pertaining to Uplinking and Gateway equipment satellite. Uplinking and Gateway Equipment [Member] Construction in process: Other Represents the information pertaining to other constructions in process. Construction in Progress Other [Member] Construction in Process Buildings and Improvements Capitalized costs related to long lived, depreciable structure held for productive use and any addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, such as interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical, and plumbing. Building and Improvements Construction in Progress [Member] QuetzSat-1 Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1, which is under construction. QuetzSat 1 [Member] EchoStar XVII/Jupiter Represents the information pertaining to the Jupiter, a next-generation, high throughput geostationary satellite. Jupiter [Member] Satellite under construction: Other Represents the information pertaining to progress amounts of other satellite constructions. Progress Amounts for Satellite Construction Other [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite CMBStar, which is owned by the entity and is under construction. CMBStar [Member] CMBStar Consumer rental equipment Represents the information pertaining to consumer rental equipments. Consumer Rental Equipments [Member] EchoStar III - fully depreciated Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar III (fully depreciated). EchoStar III [Member] EchoStar IV - fully depreciated Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IV (fully depreciated). EchoStar IV [Member] EchoStar VIII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VIII. EchoStar VIII [Member] EchoStar IX Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IX. EchoStar IX [Member] EchoStar XII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XII. EchoStar XII [Member] SPACEWAY 3 Represents the information pertaining to SPACEWAY 3 satellite. SPACE WAY 3 [Member] Capitalized Interest Related to satellites under construction Capitalized Interest Related to Satellites under Construction Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity 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 Amplifier Loss in Reporting Period Represents the number of satellites that experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Loss of TWTAs Number of Solar Power Anomalies in Reporting Period Represents the number of satellites that experienced solar-power anomalies, which caused a partial power loss that further reduced their capacity. Solar-power anomalies Decrease in Capital Lease Obligation Due to Reduction in Recurring Payment Reduction in capital lease obligation Represents the decrease in capital lease obligation due to reduction in recurring payment. Gain (Loss) Due to Reduction in Recurring Payment Gain due to reduction in recurring payment recorded in other net income Represents the gain (loss) due to reduction in recurring payment recorded in other net income on the entity's condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Represents the total number of satellites that experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Total number of TWTAs lost on the satellite Total Number of Amplifier Loss Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Leases Number of satellites utilized under lease Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under leases. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Capital Leases Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under capital leases. Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under operating leases. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Operating Leases Number of satellites utilized under operating lease Thereafter Future Amortization Expense after Year Four Future amortization expense after year four. In process Research and Development Included in Future Amortization Expense after Year Four In-process R&D assets In-process research and development assets included in future amortization expense after year four. Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Troppus. Troppus Acquisition (non-deductible) Troppus Acquisition [Member] Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes [Member] Represents details pertaining to Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes collectively known as Notes. Notes Long Term Debt Issue Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt issue price as percentage of principal amount. Debt instrument issued, issue price (as a percent) Long Term Debt Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption price as percentage of principal amount. Percentage of principal amount at which the entity may redeem some or all of the notes to the date of redemption Long Term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2014 with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2014 with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes redeemable before June 15, 2014 Long Term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2014 Price with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2014 price with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Redemption price as percentage of principal redeemable any time before June 15, 2014 Long Term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2015 with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2015 with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes redeemable at any time before June 15, 2015 Long Term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2015 Price with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2015 price with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Redemption price as percentage of principal amount of notes redeemable at any time before June 15, 2015 Debt Repurchase Price, Percentage in Event of Change of Control Debt repurchase price percentage in event of change of control. Repurchase price in the event of change of control, percentage of principal Percentage of Notes Tendered for Exchange Percentage of notes tendered for exchange. Percentage of notes tendered for exchange on 2/27/2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment, Original Award Issuer [Domain] Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Holder [Domain] Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Right to Receive Award upon Holding One Unit of Award Stock option converted into new stock options Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award right to receive award upon holding one unit of award. Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to Adjusted Stock Option Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option Multiplication factor for the conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option. New Stock Options for Portion of Original Stock Options Portion of the number of shares that were exercisable under the original option needed to receive a new stock option. Represents new stock options for a portion of original stock options. Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to New Stock Option Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to new stock option Multiplication factor for the conversion of original stock option to new stock option. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested Right to Receive Award upon Holding One Unit of Award Restricted stock unit converted into new restricted stock units Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested right award upon holding one unit of award. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value Unrecognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense on Vested Portion Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion. Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated future forfeiture rate. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Estimated Future Forfeiture Rate Future forfeiture rate (as a percent) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Disclosures Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Award Terms [Abstract] LTIP Terms Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Percentage, Awards Vested Per Year During First Four Years Percentage of awards vesting per annum during first four years Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year during first four years. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Percentage, Awards Vested Per Year after First Four Years Percentage of awards vesting per annum after first four years Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year after first four years. Vesting Rights Percentage Vesting rights percentage. Percentage of stock awards vesting per year Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Number of Employees Holding Stock Options Number of employees holding stock options Represents the number of employees holding stock options during the period. Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Adjustment Reduction in exercise price (in dollars per share) Represents the adjustment to exercise price of stock option resulting from payment of dividend. Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense Additional stock based compensation expense Represents the non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Represents details pertaining to 9 1/2 percent senior notes, which are due in 2014. 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2014 Senior Notes 9.5 Percent, Due 2014 [Member] Business Acquisition, Escrow for Potential Contingencies Escrow for certain potential contingencies Business acquisition escrow for potential contingencies. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation in Process Research and Development In-process R&D Business acquisition purchase price allocation in process research and development. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Current Assets (Liabilities), Net Other current Business acquisition purchase price allocation other current assets liabilities net. Business Combination Acquisition Related and Compensation Costs Transaction and compensation costs Business combination, acquisition-related and compensation costs. Business Acquisition, Loan Facility to be Assumed as Per Merger Agreement Assumed loan facility pursuant to the Hughes Agreement Business acquisition loan facility to be assumed as per merger agreement Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash to be Paid, Per Share to Unvested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, as per Merger Agreement Cash to be paid for each unvested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units of Hughes, pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business acquisition cost of acquired entity cash to be paid per share to unvested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units as per merger agreement. Maximum Liability for the Unvested Stock Options of Acquired Entity Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity. Portion of Liability Accrued for the Unvested Stock Options of Acquired Entity Portion of liability accrued for the unvested stock options of acquired entity Portion of liability accrued for the unvested stock options of acquired entity Liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Liability Payable Due to Change of Control Bonuses and Retention Bonuses Portion of liability accrued due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses. Portion of Liability Accrued Due to Change of Control Bonuses and Retention Bonuses Period of Liability Payable Due to Change of Control Bonuses and Retention Bonuses in Months Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses, in months. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash to be Paid, Per Share to Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, as per Merger Agreement Cash to be paid for each vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units of Hughes, pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business acquisition cost of acquired entity cash to be paid per share to vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units as per merger agreement. Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table] Schedule of information pertaining to contractual obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations, Type [Domain] Represents the type of contractual obligations, such as long-term borrowings, capital lease obligations, interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations, satellite-related obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase and other obligations. Satellite Under Construction - Jupiter 1 Represents details pertaining to the Jupiter satellite under construction. Assets under Construction Jupiter [Member] Long Term Purchase Commitment and Other Obligations [Member] Purchase and other obligations Represents the information pertaining to purchases and other obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Commitment and Contingencies Contractual Obligations Repayments Remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 Contractual obligations repayments remainder of fiscal year. Contractual obligations repayments first full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, First Full Fiscal Year 2012 Contractual Obligations Repayments, Second Full Fiscal Year 2013 Contractual obligations repayments second full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Third Full Fiscal Year 2014 Contractual obligations repayments third full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Fourth Full Fiscal Year 2015 Contractual obligations repayments fourth full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments after Fourth Full Fiscal Year Thereafter Contractual obligations repayments after fourth full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Total Total Contractual obligations repayments total. Contractual Obligations, Number of Satellite Launch Contracts Satellite-related obligations, number of satellite launch contracts Contractual obligations, number of satellite launch contracts. Number of DBS Transponders Available Number of DBS transponders available Number of DBS transponders available. Number of DBS Transponders Leased Number of DBS transponders leased by DISH Network from EchoStar Number of DBS transponders leased. Expected Future Payments under Agreement Expected future payments under agreement Expected future payments under agreement. Scheduled Period to Complete Satellites under Construction Scheduled period to complete satellites under construction Scheduled period to complete satellites under construction. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Fifth Full Fiscal Year Contractual obligations repayments fifth full fiscal year. 2016 Contractual Obligations Repayments, after Fifth Full Fiscal Year Contractual obligations repayments after fourth full fiscal year. Thereafter Number of Orbital Slots for which Entity Can Bid Number of orbital slots for which the entity can bid Number of orbital slots for which entity can bid. Value of Bid Value of bid Value of bid. Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued interest on fair value of debt investments Bid Exchange Rate Bid exchange rate (in Brazilian reais per dollar) Exchange rate for bid. Period of In Orbit Insurance Period of in-orbit insurance Period of in-orbit insurance. Purchase Amount Launch and In Orbit Insurance Purchase amount of launch insurance and in-orbit insurance Purchase amount of launch insurance and in-orbit insurance. Technology Development Licensing Represents details pertaining to technology development licensing. Technology Development Licensing [Member] Set-top box Represents details pertaining to Set-top box. Set top box [Member] Patent infringement Represents details pertaining to patent infringements. Patent Infringement [Member] California Subscriber Lawsuit Represents details pertaining to patent infringements. California Subscriber Lawsuit [Member] Number of Plaintiffs Number of plaintiffs Number of plaintiffs. Litigation Settlement, Estimated Settlement and Other Costs Estimated settlement costs, plaintiff's attorney fees and other related expenses Litigation settlement estimated settlement and other costs. Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Claims Paid Prepayment Portion of EchoStar's initial litigation settlement payment related to future periods Liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense claims paid prepayment. Loss Contingency Disablement Provision Disablement provision contempt sanction amount Loss contingency disablement provision. Number of International Customers to Whom License Granted Number of international customers to whom license granted. Number of international customers to whom license granted Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Estimated dollar amount of future payments payable by EchoStar Litigation settlement total amount to be paid by entity through six annual installments. Litigation Settlement, Total Amount to be Paid by Echostar Through Six Annual Installments Loss Contingency Terms [Abstract] Loss contingency terms Loss Contingency Number of Set Top Boxes Not Disabled Loss contingency, number of set-top boxes not disabled. Number of set-top boxes not required to be disabled Number of Shareholder Class Action Lawsuits Filed Against Entity Number of shareholder class action lawsuits filed against the entity Number of shareholder class action lawsuits filed against entity. Settlement Number of Shareholder Class Action Lawsuits Contemplation of Dismissal Number of shareholder class action lawsuits, contemplation of dismissal under settlement Number of shareholder class action lawsuits, contemplation of dismissal under settlement Digital Set-Top Box Business Represents Digital Set-Top Box 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. Digital Set Top Box Business [Member] Number of Owned and Leased in Orbit Satellites Used by Reportable Segment Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites used by segment Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites. Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization EBITDA Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization Africa, Asia and the Middle East Represents the information about the African, Asian and Middle Eastern locations of the entity. Africa Asia and the Middle East Segment [Member] Europe Segment [Member] Europe Represents the information about the European locations of the entity. South America and the Carribean Represents the information about the South American and Carribean locations of the entity. South America and the Carribean Segment [Member] Number of Major Customers Number of major customers. Number of major customers QuetzSat-1 Transponder Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. Quetz Sat1 Transponder Agreement [Member] Meridian Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Meridian Lease Agreement. Meridian Lease Agreement [Member] EchoStar XV Launch Service Represents the details pertaining to the EchoStar XV Launch Service. EchoStar XV Launch Service [Member] Weather Related Programming Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Weather Related Programming Agreement. Weather Related Programming Agreement [Member] Sale of South.com, L.L.C. Represents the details pertaining to the sale of South.com, L.L.C. Sale of South.Com LLC [Member] Promissory notes Represents details pertaining to promissory notes. Promissory Notes [Member] Tax Sharing Agreement Represents information pertaining to Tax Sharing Agreement. Tax Sharing Agreement [Member] Hughes Telematics Inc. Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Telematics Inc. Hughes Telematics Inc [Member] Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Agreement term Related party transactions agreement term. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. 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 number of DBS transponders receiving sublease 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 services. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Expected to Receive Services Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Automatic renewal period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period 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 agreement. Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service Required minimum notice for termination of individual service Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Term of renewal option Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Number of successive one year renewal options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. Related Party Transactions, Fair Value of Rights Fair value of rights assigned Related party transactions fair value of rights. Related Party Transactions, Recorded Value of Rights Recorded value of rights assigned Related party transactions recorded value of rights. Related Party Transactions, Rights Excess Amount Paid Excess of paid amount over recorded amount of rights assigned Related party transactions rights excess amount paid. Sales Not Related to Contribution, Commitment Associated with Investment [Abstract] Sales not related to the original contribution commitment associated with our investment: Related Party Transaction, Sales of Digital Set Top Boxes and Related Accessories Digital set-top boxes and related accessories Related party transaction sales of digital set top boxes and related accessories. Related Party Transaction, Sales of Satellite Services Sales of satellite services Related party transaction sales of satellite services. Uplink services Related Party Transaction Sales of Uplink Services Related party transaction sales of uplink services. Related Party Transaction, Sales of Engineering Services Related party transaction sales of engineering services. Engineering Services Proceeds from Sale of Investment by Counter Party to Related Party Sale of interest in the entity by counter party Proceeds from sale of investment by counter party to related party. Percentage Equity Interest Acquired before Giving Effect to Earn Out Percentage equity interest acquired before giving effect to earn out. Percentage of equity investment acquired before giving effect to earn-out (as a percent) Percentage Equity Interest Acquired after Giving Effect to Earn Out Percentage of equity investment acquired after giving effect to earn-out (as a percent) Percentage equity interest acquired after giving effect to earn out. Percentage Ownership in Variable Interest Entity by Other Related Parties Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties. Ownership percentage by related party Proceeds from Rights Assigned under Contract Represents the proceeds received by the reporting entity for rights assigned under a contract. Proceeds from rights assigned under a contract Accrued Royalties, Current Accrued royalties 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 Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party. Amount of Remanufactured Receivers and Accessories Purchased from Related Party Proceeds from Sale of Investment to Related Party Proceeds from sale of investment to related party. Sale of interest in the entity Related party joint venture Related Party Joint Venture [Abstract] Related Party Transaction, Cash Provided Cash Provided to Joint Venture Cash provided to joint venture. Line of Credit Provided to Joint Venture Line of credit provided to joint venture Line of credit provided to joint venture. Line of Credit Provided to Joint Venture Balance, Outstanding Line of credit provided to joint venture, balance outstanding Line of credit provided to joint venture, balance outstanding. Ownership Percentage in Joint Venture Not to be Sold Ownership percentage in joint venture not to be sold Represents the ownership percentage in joint venture not to be sold. Amount of Remanufactured Receivers and Accessories Purchased from Related Party Less than Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party, less than Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party less than Due from Related Parties, Less than Due From Related Parties, Less Than Due From Related Parties, Less Than 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 Cash Received Cash received from related party Related party transactions cash received. Aggregate Payment under Agreement Less than Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements 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 Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised Loss Contingency Settlement, Agreement Consideration, Percentage to be Made by Related Party Percentage of litigation settlement amount to be made by EchoStar Represents the percentage of litigation settlement amount to be made by related party. Litigation Settlement, Intellectual Property, Liability Contribution Litigation settlement intellectual property liability contribution. Intellectual property liability contribution Loss Contingency, Estimated Percentage of Annual Payments, Payable by Entity Estimated percentage of annual future payments payable by EchoStar Loss contingency estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity. Loss Contingency, Contribution Towards Settlement Agreement Portion of the $300 million initial settlement agreement payment allocated to EchoStar Loss contingency contribution towards settlement agreement. Litigation Settlement, Initial Payment Initial settlement amount paid Litigation settlement initial payment. Litigation Settlement, Total Amount to be Paid Through Six Annual Installments Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017 Litigation settlement total amount to be paid through six annual installments. Litigation Settlement, Number of Annual Installments Litigation settlement, number of annual installments Litigation settlement number of annual installments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite Lived and Long Lived Assets Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived and Long-Lived Assets [Text Block] Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite Lived and Long Lived Assets [Text Block] Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived and Long-Lived Assets Reconciliation from Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization to Consolidated [Abstract] Reconciliation between EBITDA to reported net income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) Cash to be paid for each issued and outstanding share of unvested restricted stock and unvested stock option of Hughes pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition Cost of Acquired Entity Cash to be Paid Per Unvested Share as Per Merger Agreement Business Acquisition Cost of Acquired Entity Cash to be Paid Per Unvested Share as Per Merger Agreement Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Stock Write Off Stock write-off (as a percent) Effective income tax rate reconciliation stock write off. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Use Carryforward from Former Parent Effective income tax rate reconciliation use carryforward from former parent Use of carryforward from former parent (as a percent) Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Asset Change in Amount Accounted in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Change in valuation allowance accounted in accumulated other comprehensive income Valuation allowance deferred tax asset change in amount accounted in accumulated other comprehensive income. Deferred Tax Assets Unrealized Losses on Investments Unrealized (gains) losses on investments Deferred tax assets unrealized losses on investments. Deferred Tax Assets Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance. Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Tax Credit and Other Carryforwards NOL, credit and other carryforwards Deferred tax assets operating loss tax credit and other carryforwards. Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Related Liabilities Recorded Unrecognized tax benefits related liabilities recorded. Balance as of beginning of period Balance as of end of period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting from Additions from Acquisition Unrecognized tax benefits increases resulting from additions from acquisition. Additions from Hughes Acquisition Capital Loss Carryforward Fully Offset by Valuation Allowance Capital loss carry forwards fully offset by a valuation allowance The amount of capital loss carryforwards which are fully offset by a valuation allowance. Common Stock Convertible into Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible Common stock convertible into number of shares of Class A common stock. Common Stock Voting Rights in Event of Change of Control Votes per share in event of change of control Represents the number of votes per share in the event of change of control. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Accumulated depreciation Employee Stock Purchase Plan Number of Shares Authorized Number of shares authorized for issue Employee Stock Purchase Plan number of shares authorized. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of shares that remain available for issuance Employee Stock Purchase Plan number of shares available for grant. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Employee Stock Purchase Plan Minimum Requisite Service Period Minimum period for which full-time employees employed by the entity are eligible to participate in the ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan minimum requisite service period. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Maximum Fair Value of Common Stock Permitted to be Purchased Per Annum Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan maximum fair value of common stock permitted to be purchased per annum. Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP (as a percent) Employee Stock Purchase Plan Purchase Price as Percentage of Closing Market Price Employee Stock Purchase Plan purchase price as percentage of closing market price. Schedule of Defined Contribution Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Disclosures about defined contribution plans. Defined Contribution Pension [Line Items] 401(k) Employee Savings Plan Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan (as a percent) Defined contribution plan employer matching contribution as percentage of employee voluntary contribution. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Matching Contribution as Percentage of Employee Voluntary Contribution Employer maximum annual contribution Per employee under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan Employer Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee Defined contribution plan employer maximum annual contribution per employee. Defined Contribution Plan Cost Recognized [Abstract] Expense Recognized Related to the 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan Matching Contribution Net of Forfeiture Matching contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan Defined contribution plan matching contribution net of forfeitures. Defined Contribution Plan Discretionary Stock Contribution Net of Forfeiture Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan Defined contribution plan discretionary stock contribution net of forfeiture. Defined Contribution Plan Employee Contribution Limit Percentage of Compensation Contribution made by eligible employees as percentage of eligible compensation The limit of annual employee contributions to the plan per calendar year as a percentage of compensation. Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee for Highly Compensated Employees Percent Contribution made by eligible employees as percentage of eligible compensation for highly compensated employees The limit of annual employee contributions made by highly compensated employees to the plan per calendar year as a percentage of compensation. Defined Contribution Plan Employee Contribution Limit Employee contribution limit The limit of annual employee contributions to the plan per calendar year. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level One Employer match of employee contributions of 3% of eligible compensation (as a percent) Represents the employer matching contribution of the first level of employee contributions. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level One Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer Represents the first level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Employer match of employee contributions for 6% of eligible compensation (as a percent) Represents the employer matching contribution of the second level of employee contributions. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level Two Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level Two Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer Represents the second level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Defined Contribution Plan Eligible Period of Service for Matching Contribution Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service The period of service required for eligibility for matching contributions by the employer. Defined Contribution Plan Age of Employee to Make Additional Contributions Age of employee to make additional contributions Represents the age of employee to make additional contributions to a defined contribution plan. Defined Contribution Plan Employee Additional Contribution Limit Employee additional contribution limit The limit of annual employee additional contributions to the plan. Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $10.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 0.00 dollars to10.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 00.00 to 10.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $10.01 - $15.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 10.01 dollars to15.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 10.01 to 15.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $15.01 - $20.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 15.01 dollars to 20.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 15.01 to 20.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $25.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 20.01 dollars to 25.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 20.01 to 25.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $25.01 - $30.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 25.01 dollars to 30.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 25.01 to 30.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $35.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 30.01 dollars to 35.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 30.01 to 35.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $35.01 - $40.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 35.01 dollars to 40.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 35.01 to 40.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $40.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 00.00 dollars to 40.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 00.00 to 40.00 [Member] Accounting Policies [Table] Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting policy disclosures Original Maturity Period Original maturity period at the time of purchase by the entity for liquid investments classified as cash equivalents Original maturity period. Length of Time Investment been in Continuous Loss Position Considered Temporary Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered as temporary Length of time investment been in continuous loss position considered temporary. Length of Time Investment been in Continuous Loss Position Evaluated on Case by Case Basis The length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value would be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary Length of time investment been in continuous loss position evaluated on case by case basis. Length of Time Investment been in Continuous Loss Position to be Considered as Other than Temporary Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered other-than-temporary Length of time investment been in continuous loss position to be considered as other than temporary. Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Period of service contract under consumer rental program Consumer rental program period of service contract. Consumer Rental Program Period of Service Contract Reward from the U.S. Government as the only national provider of high-speed satellite broadband service Broadband stimulus programs award from government. Broadband Stimulus Programs Award from Government Debt Instrument Issuance Costs [Abstract] Debt Issuance Costs Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Abstract] Subscriber Acquisition Costs ("SAC") Subscriber Acquisition Period of Service Agreements Period of service agreement currently offered to customers Subscriber acquisition period of service agreements. Satellites financed under capital lease obligations Represents details pertaining to satellites financed under capital lease obligations. Satellites Financed under Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Other equipment financed under capital lease obligations Represents details pertaining to other equipment financed under capital lease obligations. Other Equipment Financed under Capital Lease Obligation [Member] 8% note payable for EchoStar IX satellite vendor financing, payable over 14 years from launch Represents details pertaining to 8 percent notes payable for EchoStar IX satellite vendor financing, payable over a period of 14 years from the launch. Note Payable 8.00 Percent for EchoStar IX Satellite Vendor Financing Payable over 14 Years from Launch [Member] 8% mortgage payable due in installments through 2015 Represents details pertaining to 8 percent mortgage payable due in installments through 2015. Mortgages and Other Unsecured Notes Payable [Member] Hughes Communications Acquisition [Member] Hughes Represents the other debt and capital lease obligation attributable to acquisition of Hughes Communications. Total Other Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current portion Other debt and capital lease obligations. Less current portion Other long term debt and capital lease obligations current. Other Long Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Current Contractual Obligation Term Term of contractual obligation. Term of incentive obligation In Orbit Incentives and Related Interest Payments In-orbit incentives and related interest payments Represents the amount of in-orbit incentives and related interest payments. Other Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Noncurrent Capital lease obligations, mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion Other debt and capital lease obligations, noncurrent. Contribution from Related Party in Connection with Spinoff Contribution from DISH Network in connection with the Spin-off Contribution from Related Party in connection with spin off. Capital Transaction with Related Party in Connection With Launch Service Capital Transaction with Related Party in Connection with Launch Service Capital transaction with DISH Network in connection with the launch service (Note 17) Capital transactions with Related Party, net of tax Capital Transactions with Related Party, Net of Tax Capital transactions with DISH Network, net of tax (Note 17) Tax related to capital transaction with related party in Connection with the launch Contract. Tax Related to the Capital Transaction with Related Party in Connection with the Launch Contract Tax related to the capital transaction with DISH Network in connection with the launch contract (Note 19) Issuances of Class A Common Stock [Abstract] Issuances of Class A common stock: Stock based compensation and other, net of tax. Stock Based Compensation and Other, Net of Tax Stock-based compensation and other, net of tax Net Investment in EchoStar Ownership Interest [Member] This element represents Ownership Interest. AMC-15 Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-15, which is leased from other third parties. AMC 15 [Member] AMC-16 Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-16, which is leased from other third parties. AMC 16 [Member] Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Remainder of Year 2012 (nine months remaining) Capital leases future minimum payments due remainder of year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due First Full Fiscal Year 2013 Capital leases future minimum payments due first full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Second Full Fiscal Year 2014 Capital leases future minimum payments due second full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Third Full Fiscal Year 2015 Capital leases future minimum payments due third full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Fourth Full Fiscal Year 2016 Capital leases future minimum payments due fourth full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due after Fourth Full Fiscal Year Thereafter Capital leases future minimum payments due after fourth full fiscal year. Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Executory Costs and Orbital Location Lease Capital leases future minimum payments executory costs and orbital location lease. Less : Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments Capital Lease Obligations, Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in Monthly Recurring Payment Capital lease obligations increase decrease due to change in monthly recurring payment. Decrease in capital lease obligations Initial Term of Satellite Capital Leases Initial lease term of satellite Initial term of satellite capital leases. Schedule of future maturities of contractual obligations Schedule of Future Maturities of Contractual Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of future maturities of contractual obligations Gain (Loss) on Sale of Company which Held Certain FCC Authorization Gain on sale of a company which held certain FCC authorization Gain (loss) on sale of company which held certain FCC authorization.