The cash outflow to acquire asset without physical form usually arising from contractual or other legal rights, excluding goodwill.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3213-108585

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 17

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Organization and Business Activities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 segment subscriber	Dec. 31, 2008	Mar. 09, 2012 Sprint Settlement Agreement	Mar. 09, 2012 TerreStar Networks, Inc. ("TerreStar")	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America (ICO)
Organization and Business Activities
Number of primary business segments	3
Number of DISH Network subscribers	14,071,000
Spectrum Investments
Commitment to acquire percentage ownership interest	100.00%
Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses		$ 712
Payments to acquire wireless spectrum assets	2,860
Purchase price			$ 114	$ 1,382	$ 1,364