v2.4.0.8

Property and Equipment (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Property and equipment |  |  |
Construction in progress | $ 210,051 | $ 455,186 |
Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction | 3,968 | 45,497 | 42,743
EchoStar XIX |  |  |
Property and equipment |  |  |
Construction in progress | 122,070 | 9,325 |
Terrestar 2 |  |  |
Property and equipment |  |  |
Construction in progress | 16,433 |  |
EchoStar XVI |  |  |
Property and equipment |  |  |
Construction in progress |  | 345,090 |
Satellite under construction: Other |  |  |
Property and equipment |  |  |
Construction in progress | 24,160 | 25,710 |
Uplinking equipment |  |  |
Property and equipment |  |  |
Construction in progress | 20,793 | 37,264 |
Construction in progress: Other |  |  |
Property and equipment |  |  |
Construction in progress | $ 26,595 | $ 37,797 |

X
- Definition Amount of structure or a modification to a structure under construction. Includes recently completed structures or modifications to structures that have not been placed into service. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
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X
- Definition Amount of interest capitalized during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Allowance for Funds Used during Construction -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504829 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 + Details
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X
- Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration