v3.3.1.900
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