Stock-Based Compensation (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
LTIP 2005
2005 LTIP Terms
Awards vesting period	7 years
Percentage awards vesting per annum during first four years	10.00%
Percentage awards vesting per annum after first four years	20.00%
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards	$ 41,897
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	38,895
LTIP 2008 and Other Performance Awards
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Portion meeting vesting condition (as a percent)	70.00%
Remaining portion to meet vesting condition (as a percent)	30.00%
DISH Network Awards | Held by DISH Network employees | LTIP 2005
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards	35,508
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	32,863
EchoStar Awards | Held by DISH Network employees | LTIP 2005
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards	6,389
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	$ 6,032