Property and Equipment and FCC Authorizations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	$ 212,931	$ 224,507	$ 689,664	$ 686,771
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	165,959	180,080	481,876	552,097
DBS satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	32,087	32,087	96,260	96,265
Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity.			13
Owned Satellites	6		6
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease			5
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease			2
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	14,885	12,340	43,752	38,409
148 degree orbital location
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization			$ 67,776