v2.4.0.8
Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)
 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 02, 2013
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Dec. 31, 2012
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Dec. 31, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2013
EchoStar 401(k) Plan
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Dec. 31, 2012
EchoStar 401(k) Plan
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Dec. 31, 2011
EchoStar 401(k) Plan
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Dec. 31, 2013
Hughes Acquisition
Hughes 401(k) Plan
Dec. 31, 2012
Hughes Acquisition
Hughes 401(k) Plan
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Dec. 31, 2011
Hughes Acquisition
Hughes 401(k) Plan
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Employee benefit plans                  
Number of 401(k) employee saving plan 1 2 2 1 1 1   1 1
Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan (as a percent)       50.00%          
Maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan       $ 17,500          
Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan       7,500          
Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees per year       20.00%          
Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service       5 years     3 years    
Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees after specified period of service       100.00%     100.00%    
Matching contributions made by the company during the year       6,100,000 1,600,000 1,500,000   6,900,000 3,500,000
Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan       $ 10,300,000 $ 4,700,000 $ 4,300,000      
Contribution limit per employee, as a percentage of eligible compensation       75.00%          
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer       3.00%          
Employer match of employee contributions for 6% of eligible compensation (as a percent)       50.00%          
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer       6.00%