Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventory
Total inventory	$ 667,490	$ 487,575
DISH Network
Inventory
Finished goods - DBS	294,565	305,068
Raw materials	179,144	143,111
Work-in-process - used	29,301	36,186
Work-in-process - new	1,059	3,210
Total inventory	504,069	487,575
Blockbuster
Inventory
Rental library	81,070
Merchandise	82,351
Total inventory	$ 163,421

Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods held by the company that are readily available for sale.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 6

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section BB

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 330

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.BB)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386940&loc=d3e100047-122729

Name:	us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoodsNetOfReserves
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant