CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 393,489	$ 180,692	$ 149,371
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	16,413	(11,315)	(62,731)
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income	0	0	1,889
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other	(21,895)	9,149	(12,046)
Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income	(2,758)	(5,590)	(35)
Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income	3,298	0	11,226
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(4,942)	(7,756)	(61,697)
Comprehensive income	388,547	172,936	87,674
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	(655)	(944)	(5,603)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests	1,992	1,520	1,297
Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar	$ 387,210	$ 172,360	$ 91,980