CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 37,352	$ 48,443
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	24,038	11,624
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and other	20,032	1,503
Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income	(2,756)	(2,247)
Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income	3,298	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	44,612	10,880
Comprehensive income	81,964	59,323
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	(655)	(823)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests	292	111
Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar	$ 82,327	$ 60,035