Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 208,698,000	$ 229,697,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,313,678,000		3,169,891,000
Increase in property, plant and equipment	1,144,000,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	152,443,000	182,987,000
DBS Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	33,837,000	32,091,000
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	13
Owned Satellites	6
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	5
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 22,418,000	$ 14,619,000