Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Benefits Plans (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.6
Benefits Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Share-based compensation expense $ 51,622 $ 54,585 $ 65,607
Restricted stock unit granted 0    
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted $ 0.00    
Percentage of weighting of observable historical volatility   100.00% 100.00%
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
     
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Common stock available for future grants 197,606,000    
Employee Stock Option [Member]
     
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Share-based compensation expense 48,038 44,833 46,080
Granted, options 77,450,000 71,179,000 265,761,000
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted $ 1.04 $ 0.67 $ 0.36
Total Intrinsic value of stock options exercised 13,408 13,261 0
Sirius XM Savings Plan [Member]
     
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Share-based compensation expense 3,041 2,356 2,895
Percentage limit of an employee's pre-tax salary the Company will match in the form of shares of common stock 50% of employees voluntary contributions, up to 6%    
Limit of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to Company 401(k) Savings Plan 50.00%    
Minimum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to Company 401(k) Savings Plan 1.00%    
Vesting percentage of Employer contributions for each year of employment 33.33%    
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
     
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Share-based compensation expense 543 7,397 16,632
Restricted stock unit granted     84,851,000
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock and restricted stock units that vested 3,178 3,927 45,827
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
     
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Restricted stock unit granted 0 0  
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted     $ 0.37
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 129,983 108,170  
Weighted average expected period for recognition of compensation expenses 3 years    
Profit Sharing [Member]
     
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Share-based compensation expense $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Third Parties [Member]
     
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]      
Granted, options 0 0