Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Schedule of Equity Method Investee Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar	$ (5,954)	$ 16,973	$ 10,802
Dish Mexico
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Current assets	147,140	146,851
Noncurrent assets	187,130	185,345
Total assets	334,270	332,196
Current liabilities	128,708	129,087
Noncurrent liabilities	109,643	109,428
Total liabilities	238,351	238,515
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	444,264	497,096	498,069
Operating income (loss)	(55,062)	15,094	32,280
Income (loss) before income taxes	(33,449)	18,267	10,195
Net income (loss)	(20,126)	15,658	6,374
Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar	(10,828)	9,946	1,358
Aggregate
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Current assets	162,593	172,234
Noncurrent assets	188,077	187,067
Total assets	350,670	359,301
Current liabilities	129,837	130,443
Noncurrent liabilities	110,460	110,472
Total liabilities	240,297	240,915
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	475,559	535,153	541,066
Operating income (loss)	(43,553)	31,919	52,656
Income (loss) before income taxes	(23,701)	32,739	29,083
Net income (loss)	(10,378)	30,130	25,262
Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar	$ (5,954)	$ 16,973	$ 10,802