Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Depreciation and amortization expense
Accelerated depreciation expense			$ 53,000						$ 1,054,026	$ 964,484	$ 912,203
Revenue	3,538,540	3,505,021	3,485,774	3,375,530	3,320,824	3,293,609	3,318,924	3,247,977	13,904,865	13,181,334	13,074,063
MSS business | Maximum
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of customers			2,000
Revenue			1,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Accelerated depreciation expense									763,796	652,327	725,904
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Accelerated depreciation expense									135,464	145,749	128,352
DBS Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator									14
Owned Satellites	6								6
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease									6
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease									2
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Accelerated depreciation expense									154,766	98,632	57,947
148 degree orbital location
Depreciation and amortization expense
Accelerated depreciation expense										$ 67,776