Property and Equipment (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	$ 153,471	$ 455,186
EchoStar XIX
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	65,101	9,325
Terrestar 2
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	10,317
EchoStar XVI
Property and equipment
Construction in progress		345,090
Satellite under construction: Other
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	28,153	25,710
Uplinking equipment
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	22,366	37,264
Construction in progress: Other
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	$ 27,534	$ 37,797