Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (Subsequent event, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2014 Item
Long-term debt obligations
Reduction in contractual obligation
2014	$ 5
2015	5
2016	4
2017	4
2018	4
Thereafter	22
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Reduction in contractual obligation
2014	3
2015	2
2016	2
2017	2
2018	1
Thereafter	5
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction | EchoStar and HSSC
Commitments
Number of owned satellites transferred and leased back	5
Obligations and interest payments transferred	59
Cash in exchange for shares of series of preferred tracking stock issued	$ 11