Acquisitions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 09, 2012 TerreStar Networks, Inc. ("TerreStar") Wireless	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions Wireless	Mar. 31, 2012 DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions Sprint Settlement Agreement Wireless	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America (ICO) Wireless	Oct. 02, 2013 Light Squared LP Entities LBAC	Oct. 02, 2013 Light Squared LP Entities LBAC Maximum	Jul. 23, 2013 Light Squared LP Entities Proposed asset purchase agreement
Spectrum Investments
Total consideration			$ 1,382		$ 2,860	$ 114	$ 1,364			$ 2,220
Uncertain tax position				102
Decrease in income tax (provision) benefit, net	102	102
Payments for break-up fee on confirmation of order issued by Bankruptcy Court as a qualified bidder								52
Amount to be reimbursed on confirmation of the order issued by Bankruptcy Court as a qualified bidder, if the subsidiary is not successful bidder at auction									$ 2