Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill	$ 510,630	$ 510,630
Cost
Balance at the beginning of the period	724,542
Balance at the end of the period	721,042
Accumulated amortization
Balance at the beginning of the period	(528,880)
Balance at the end of the period	(573,507)
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period	195,662
Balance at the end of the period	147,535
Total regulatory authorizations, net
Balance at the beginning of the period	568,378
Additions	(3,612)
Currency Translation Adjustment	(20,423)
Balance at the end of the period	544,343
Hughes Business
Goodwill
Goodwill	504,200	$ 504,200
Sling TV Holding
Goodwill
Goodwill			$ 6,500
Finite lives
Cost
Balance at the beginning of the period	103,499
Currency Translation Adjustment	(22,078)
Balance at the end of the period	81,421
Accumulated amortization
Balance at the beginning of the period	(6,778)
Additions	(3,612)
Currency Translation Adjustment	1,655
Balance at the end of the period	(8,735)
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period	96,721
Additions	(3,612)
Currency Translation Adjustment	(20,423)
Balance at the end of the period	72,686
Indefinite Lives
Indefinite lives
Balance at the beginning of the period	471,657
Balance at the end of the period	$ 471,657