Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Depreciation and amortization expense
Amount of interest capitalized			$ 69,153	$ 38,643
Depreciation and amortization expense	300,474	299,119	534,801	507,817
Remaining net book value fully depreciated	3,990,025		3,990,025		4,402,360
MSS business
Depreciation and amortization expense
Remaining net book value fully depreciated	53,000		53,000
Wireless spectrum capitalized interest
Depreciation and amortization expense
Amount of interest capitalized	34,000	39,000	69,000	39,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	192,598	163,474	359,810	315,917
DBS Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	33,866	38,616	67,732	72,453
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator			15
Owned Satellites	6		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	74,010	29,253	107,259	51,671
148 degree orbital location
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense		$ 67,776		$ 67,776