Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions Wireless	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions Sprint Settlement Agreement Wireless	Mar. 09, 2012 TerreStar Networks, Inc. ("TerreStar") Wireless	Mar. 09, 2012 DBSD North America (ICO) Wireless
Spectrum Investments
Total consideration						$ 2,860,000,000	$ 114,000,000	$ 1,382,000,000	$ 1,364,000,000
Uncertain tax position					102,000,000
Decrease in income tax (provision) benefit, net	$ 102,000,000	$ 139,022,000	$ 1,739,000	$ 1,185,000