Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.6
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Advertising costs $ 139,830 $ 116,694 $ 110,050
Standard product warranty period 90 days    
Research and development expense 42,605 48,574 40,043
Weighting assigned to historical volatility     100.00%
Valuation allowance 9,835 3,360,740  
Carrying value of debt 2,435,220 3,013,974  
Fair value approximated on debt 3,055,076 3,506,546  
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax 120 71  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 49 (140) 251
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax 48 11 63
Realized loss on XM Canada investment foreign currency adjustment 0 6,072 0
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities $ 0 $ 0 $ 469
Sirius XM Canada [Member] | 8% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures [Member]
     
Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Interest rate on instrument 8.00%