CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (38,633)	$ 393,489	$ 180,692
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(34,399)	16,413	(11,315)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other	(2,872)	(21,895)	9,149
Foreign currency translation realized to due impairment of long lived assets	32,136	0	0
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities	0	(2,758)	(5,590)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale securities	(278)	3,298	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(5,413)	(4,942)	(7,756)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(44,046)	388,547	172,936
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	453	1,337	576
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Corporation	$ (44,499)	$ 387,210	$ 172,360