Property and Equipment and FCC Authorizations (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 item
Property and Equipment and FCC Authorizations
Number of geographical license areas	214
MVDDS Licenses
Property and Equipment and FCC Authorizations
Number of geographical license areas	82
Additional license term	4 years
Maximum | MVDDS Licenses
Property and Equipment and FCC Authorizations
Amount of carrying value to be written-off on termination of license	$ 24
EchoStar XV
Property and Equipment and FCC Authorizations
Estimate Useful life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XVIII
Property and Equipment and FCC Authorizations
Estimate Useful life of assets	15 years