Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 983,049	$ 922,073	$ 983,965
Amount of interest capitalized	106,323	120	17,139
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	652,327	725,904	822,442
DBS Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	145,749	128,352	110,510
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	15
Owned Satellites	6
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	7
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	117,197	67,817	51,013
148 degree orbital location
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 67,776