Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2017
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Accumulated earnings	$ 721,316				$ 314,247				$ 721,316	$ 314,247
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	278,535				220,283				278,535	220,283
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									384,980	136,372	$ 88,092
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	313,237	$ 34,669	$ 6,940	$ 38,924	$ 38,222	$ 36,644	$ 56,133	$ 50,674	393,770	$ 181,673	$ 163,700
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance													$ 14,500
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									2,100
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock									5,300
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption													$ 14,500
Subsequent Event | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax												$ (10,500)
Minimum | Pro Forma | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Accumulated earnings	15,000								15,000
Maximum | Pro Forma | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Accumulated earnings	18,000								18,000
Up-front Payment Arrangement | Pro Forma | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Accumulated earnings	$ 8,000								$ 8,000