Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Property and Equipment (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.8
Property and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Satellites
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]      
Depreciation expense on property and equipment $ 203,303 $ 212,675 $ 208,830
Disposal of property and equipment 16,039 5,251 12,158
(Loss) on disposal of assets (351) (657) (269)
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 10    
Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
     
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 4    
Space Systems/Loral [Member]
     
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 6    
Sirius system [Member]
     
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 5    
XM system [Member]
     
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 5    
SIRIUS FM-6 [Member]
     
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]      
Capitalized expenditures, including interest $ 87,061 $ 32,893 $ 81,189