Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory
Total inventory	$ 580,714	$ 623,720
DISH
Inventory
Finished goods - DBS	282,714	259,307
Raw materials	116,108	122,769
Work-in-process	125,002	82,361
Total inventory	523,824	464,437
Blockbuster
Inventory
Rental library	34,567	81,956
Merchandise	22,323	76,180
Total inventory	56,890	158,136
Wireless
Inventory
Finished goods - DBS		1,147
Total inventory		$ 1,147