Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Decrease in off-balance sheet arrangements not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet	$ 42,300
Off-balance sheet arrangements not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet	301,300	343,600
Damages sought in compensation-related claims	11,000
DISH Network Contract Dispute [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of court rulings appealed by Dish Network	2
Equity interest EchoStar Media Holdings Corporation acquired in VOOM HD Holdings	20.00%
Term EchoStar Satellite LLC agreed to distribute VOOM on DISH Network (in years)	15 years
Minimum number of offered channels per affiliation agreement	21
Minimum annual spending requirement by VOOM HD per the EchoStar Satellite affiliation agreement	100,000
Maximum annual spending requirement by VOOM HD per the EchoStar Satellite affiliation agreement	$ 500,000