Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 299,119,000	$ 237,049,000	$ 507,817,000	$ 466,746,000
Amount of interest capitalized			38,643,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,347,672,000		4,347,672,000		3,169,891,000
Increase in property, plant and equipment			1,178,000,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	163,474,000	189,030,000	315,917,000	372,017,000
DBS Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	38,616,000	32,087,000	72,453,000	64,178,000
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator			13
Owned Satellites	6		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	29,253,000	15,932,000	51,671,000	30,551,000
148 degree orbital location
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	67,776,000		67,776,000
Wireless spectrum capitalized interest balance
Depreciation and amortization expense
Amount of interest capitalized	$ 39,000,000		$ 39,000,000