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 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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

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

Reference 3: 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 4: 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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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.

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			0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 segment item	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2008 Wireless	Mar. 09, 2012 Wireless DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions	Mar. 09, 2012 Wireless DBSD North America (ICO)
Organization and Business Activities
Number of primary business segments	3
Number of DISH Network subscribers	14,092,000
Spectrum Investments
Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses		$ 712	$ 712
Commitment to acquire percentage ownership interest					100.00%
Purchase price				$ 2,860	$ 1,364