v2.4.0.6
SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information (Details 2) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Costs and Expenses:                      
Selling, general and administrative expenses                 $ 367,816 $ 288,575 $ 128,366
Depreciation and amortization                 457,326 385,894 228,911
Total costs and expenses                 3,021,818 2,680,593 2,208,044
Operating income 663 23,880 45,933 29,410 1,903 22,266 45,821 10,848 99,886 80,838 142,325
Other Income (Expense):                      
Interest income                 11,176 10,821 14,472
Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments                 177,558 13,666 2,923
Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net                   15,871 144,473
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates                 (438) 11,860 (2,813)
Other, net                 59,531 (24,688) 1,953
Total other income (expense), net                 94,798 (55,063) 146,448
Income tax benefit (provision), net                 16,329 (21,501) (84,415)
Net income                 211,013 4,274 204,358
Comprehensive Income (Loss):                      
Net income                 211,013 4,274 204,358
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                      
Foreign currency translation adjustments                 (2,501) (15,298) 927
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other                 30,799 (1,276) 141,161
Recognition of previously unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income                 (175,223) (6,637) (30,226)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                 (146,925) (23,211) 111,862
Comprehensive income (loss)                 64,088 (18,937) 316,220
Echostar Corporation
                      
Costs and Expenses:                      
Selling, general and administrative expenses                 1,083 1,762  
Depreciation and amortization                 16,965 15,982  
Total costs and expenses                 18,048 17,744  
Operating income                 (18,048) (17,744)  
Other Income (Expense):                      
Interest income                 8,874 7,105  
Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments                 162,257 6,518  
Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net                   15,871  
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates                 (7,224) 3,325  
Other, net                 46,026    
Total other income (expense), net                 209,933 32,819  
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net                 191,885 15,075  
Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net                 16,033 (2,010)  
Income tax benefit (provision), net                 3,130 (9,426)  
Net income                 211,048 3,639  
Comprehensive Income (Loss):                      
Net income                 211,048 3,639  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                      
Foreign currency translation adjustments                 (2,595) (14,095)  
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and other                 30,799 (1,276)  
Recognition of previously unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities in net income                 (175,223) (6,637)  
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                 (147,019) (22,008)  
Comprehensive income (loss)                 $ 64,029 $ (18,369)