Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	$ 23,580,445
2014	4,165,151
2015	2,344,175
2016	2,777,782
2017	1,946,275
2018	2,143,710
Thereafter	10,203,352
Long-term debt obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	13,430,769
2014	1,007,851
2015	758,232
2016	1,506,742
2017	906,975
2018	1,207,269
Thereafter	8,043,700
Capital lease obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	220,115
2014	27,042
2015	27,372
2016	30,058
2017	32,993
2018	36,175
Thereafter	66,475
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	4,740,541
2014	839,650
2015	742,084
2016	656,798
2017	600,634
2018	530,523
Thereafter	1,370,852
Satellite-related obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	1,957,898
2014	386,086
2015	335,625
2016	230,138
2017	225,464
2018	225,246
Thereafter	555,339
Operating lease obligations - continuing operations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	179,355
2014	45,868
2015	36,205
2016	31,792
2017	15,150
2018	8,438
Thereafter	41,902
Purchase obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	3,051,767
2014	1,858,654
2015	444,657
2016	322,254
2017	165,059
2018	136,059
Thereafter	$ 125,084