Property and Equipment (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment	$ 52,102	$ 52,412	$ 105,199	$ 105,381
Satellite [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalized expenditures, including interest	$ 29,137	$ 88,309	$ 50,702	$ 123,454