Property and Equipment (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Satellite
Property and equipment
Number of other satellites to be relocated in the event of failure or loss of any satellite	1
EchoStar VIII.
Property and equipment
Watts per channel, option one	120
Number of DBS transponders, option one	32
Watts per channel, option two	240
Number of DBS transponders available, option two	16
148 degree orbital location
Property and equipment
Write down in value license agreement if FCC decides to revoke license	68
EchoStar I
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	12Y
EchoStar VII
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	12Y
EchoStar X
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	12Y
EchoStar XI
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	12Y
EchoStar XIV
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	15Y
EchoStar XV
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	15Y
EchoStar VI | Leased from EchoStar:
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	12Y
EchoStar VIII | Leased from EchoStar:
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	12Y
EchoStar IX | Leased from EchoStar:
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	12Y
EchoStar XII | Leased from EchoStar:
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	10Y
Nimiq 5 | Leased from EchoStar:
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	10Y
Lease Term (Years)	10
Anik F3 | Leased from Other Third Party
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	15Y
Lease Term (Years)	15
Ciel II | Leased from Other Third Party
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	10Y
Lease Term (Years)	10
Satellite Under Construction - EchoStar XVI
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years)	10Y
Lease Term (Years)	10