Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Benefit Plans (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.6
Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]        
Share-based compensation expense   $ 63,822 $ 51,622 $ 54,585
Stock-based awards expiration term   10 years    
Restricted stock conversion to common stock   1    
Common stock available for future grants   143,243,000    
Number of other share-based benefit plans   4    
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)   $ 0.05    
Cash dividends paid on common shares   262,387    
Third Parties [Member]
        
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]        
Granted, options (in shares)   0 0 0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
        
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]        
Share-based compensation expense   60,299 48,038 44,833
Granted, options (in shares)   58,626,000 77,450,000 71,179,000
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted   $ 1.09 $ 1.04 $ 0.67
Total Intrinsic value of stock options exercised   399,794 13,408 13,261
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
        
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]        
Share-based compensation expense   0 543 7,397
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested   0 3,178 3,927
Weighted average expected period for recognition of compensation expenses   3 years    
Restricted Stock Units RSU and Stock Options [Member]
        
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]        
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested share based payment awards for restricted stock units, net of estimated forfeitures   129,010 129,983  
Sirius XM Savings Plan [Member]
        
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]        
Share-based compensation expense   $ 3,523 $ 3,041 $ 2,356
Minimum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to Company 401(k) Savings Plan   1.00%    
Maximum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to Company 401(k) Savings Plan   50.00%    
Percentage limit of an employee's pre-tax salary the Company will match in the form of shares of common stock   50% of an employee’s voluntary contributions, up to 6%    
Vesting percentage of employer contributions for each year of employment   33.33%    
Savings plan, fully vested period 3 years