CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,201	$ 37,410	$ 79,675	$ 141,762
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	9,373	2,483	33,162	13,769
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other	(12,037)	10,180	2,369	9,695
Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income	0	(10)	(2,758)	(5,584)
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	(2,664)	12,653	36,071	17,880
Comprehensive income	32,537	50,063	115,746	159,642
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	0	85	(655)	(926)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests	532	524	1,006	760
Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar	$ 32,005	$ 49,454	$ 115,395	$ 159,808