CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 16,502	$ 35,201	$ 73,015	$ 79,675
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,405)	9,373	(42,540)	33,162
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other	(120)	(12,037)	(105)	2,369
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities	(1)	0	(4)	(2,758)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities	0	0	0	3,298
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(7,526)	(2,664)	(42,649)	36,071
Comprehensive income	8,976	32,537	30,366	115,746
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(140)	532	(97)	351
Comprehensive income attributable to EchoStar Corporation	$ 9,116	$ 32,005	$ 30,463	$ 115,395