Earnings per Share (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income attributable to EchoStar
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$ 12,653	$ 3,458
Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock	(598)
Net income attributable to EchoStar	12,055	3,458
Weighted-average common shares outstanding :
Basic (in shares)	90,689	88,178
Diluted (in shares)	92,336	89,600
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.04
Class A and B common stock
Net income attributable to EchoStar
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$ 12,653	$ 3,458
Weighted-average common shares outstanding :
Basic (in shares)	90,689	88,178
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares)	1,647	1,422
Diluted (in shares)	92,336	89,600
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.04