Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property and equipment, net
Satellite system	$ 1,943,537	$ 1,943,537
Terrestrial repeater network	110,335	112,440
Leasehold improvements	43,529	43,455
Broadcast studio equipment	54,218	53,903
Capitalized software and hardware	201,266	193,301
Satellite telemetry, tracking and control facilities	61,020	60,539
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	60,739	60,283
Land	38,411	38,411
Building	57,200	57,185
Construction in progress	385,300	372,508
Total property and equipment	2,955,555	2,935,562
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,309,945)	(1,261,643)
Property and equipment, net	$ 1,645,610	$ 1,673,919