CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 7,122	$ 55,909	$ 44,474	$ 104,352
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(249)	(338)	23,789	11,286
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other	(5,626)	(1,988)	14,406	(485)
Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income	(2)	(3,327)	(2,758)	(5,574)
Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income	0	0	3,298	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(5,877)	(5,653)	38,735	5,227
Comprehensive income	1,245	50,256	83,209	109,579
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	0	(188)	(655)	(1,011)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests	182	125	474	236
Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar	$ 1,063	$ 50,319	$ 83,390	$ 110,354