Stock-Based Compensation (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
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	$ 43,296
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	40,469
LTIP 2008
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	36,924
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	34,431
EchoStar Awards | Held by DISH Network employees | LTIP 2005
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards	6,372
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	$ 6,038