Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	$ 205,496	$ 197,295
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	163,118	152,443
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	27,171	32,087
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	$ 15,207	$ 12,765
DBS satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	13
Owned Satellites	6
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	5
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2