CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (21,171)	$ 37,352
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,592	24,038
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other	(532)	20,032
Recognition of realized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income (loss)	0	(2,756)
Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities in net income (loss)	0	3,298
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	8,060	44,612
Comprehensive income (loss)	(13,111)	81,964
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	0	(655)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests	166	292
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Corporation	$ (13,277)	$ 82,327