Related Party Transactions (Details) - item				1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 21, 2012	Dec. 21, 2012	Jan. 02, 2012	May 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term		5 years
TT&C Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of renewal of agreement			1 year
Number of automatic renewal period			4
Notice period for termination of agreement			12 months
EchoStar | EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term from commencement of service date		4 years
Agreement Renewal Option Term					1 year
Additional term of renewal option	5 years			5 years
EchoStar | Telesat Transponder Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term with third party						15 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services						32
EchoStar | DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term						10 years
Number of DBS transponders currently used						32
EchoStar | QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term with third party							10 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services							32
Number of DBS transponders currently used							24