Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	$ 228,165	$ 279,438	$ 433,661	$ 476,733
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	186,815	163,474	349,933	315,917
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	27,170	32,087	54,341	64,173
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization	14,180	16,101	29,387	28,867
148 degree orbital location
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization		$ 67,776		$ 67,776
DBS satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator			15
Owned Satellites	6		6
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease			7
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease			2