Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Aug. 01, 2014 |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
Dec. 31, 2015 |
|
| Goodwill associated with various acquisitions | |||
| Balance at the beginning of the period | $ 504,173 | ||
| Balance at the end of the period | 510,630 | ||
| Balance at the end of the period | 504,173 | $ 510,630 | |
| Sling TV Holding | |||
| Goodwill associated with various acquisitions | |||
| Other (increase) decreases to goodwill | $ 6,500 | 6,457 | |
| EchoStar Technologies Business | |||
| Goodwill associated with various acquisitions | |||
| Balance at the end of the period | 6,457 | ||
| Balance at the end of the period | 6,457 | 6,457 | |
| EchoStar Technologies Business | Sling TV Holding | |||
| Goodwill associated with various acquisitions | |||
| Other (increase) decreases to goodwill | 6,457 | ||
| Hughes Business | |||
| Goodwill associated with various acquisitions | |||
| Balance at the beginning of the period | 504,173 | ||
| Balance at the end of the period | 504,173 | ||
| Balance at the end of the period | $ 504,173 | $ 504,173 |