Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 Equipment leased to customers	Sep. 30, 2012 Equipment leased to customers	Sep. 30, 2013 Equipment leased to customers	Sep. 30, 2012 Equipment leased to customers	Sep. 30, 2013 Satellites	Sep. 30, 2012 Satellites	Sep. 30, 2013 Satellites	Sep. 30, 2012 Satellites	Sep. 30, 2013 Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	Sep. 30, 2012 Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	Sep. 30, 2013 Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	Sep. 30, 2012 Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	Jun. 30, 2012 148 degree orbital location	Sep. 30, 2012 148 degree orbital location	Sep. 30, 2013 DBS satellites satellite
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 229,749	$ 212,931	$ 663,410	$ 689,664	$ 188,524	$ 165,959	$ 538,457	$ 481,876	$ 27,171	$ 32,087	$ 81,512	$ 96,260	$ 14,054	$ 14,885	$ 43,441	$ 43,752	$ 67,776	$ 67,776
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator																			15
Owned Satellites																			6
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease																			7
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease																			2