Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory
Total inventory	$ 670,008	$ 707,151
DISH Network
Inventory
Finished goods - DBS	298,771	295,058
Raw materials	141,423	183,711
Work-in-process - used	38,160	29,228
Work-in-process - new	3,261	2,308
Total inventory	481,615	510,305
Blockbuster
Inventory
Rental library	93,625	104,238
Merchandise	90,920	92,608
Total inventory	184,545	196,846
Wireless Spectrum
Inventory
Finished goods - DBS	3,848
Total inventory	$ 3,848