Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.8
Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
attorneys
Satellites
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Agreement term to repurchase certain products shipped to distributor from date of shipment (after 90 days) 90 days    
Number of owned satellites 10    
Operating leases, rent expense $ 39,228 $ 37,474 $ 34,143
Number of state attorneys general 34    
XM-5, FM-5, FM-6, XM-3, and XM-4 [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Operating performance over design life 15 years    
XM-4 [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Additional payments required if XM-4 continues to operate above baseline specifications $ 10,000    
Period beyond expected operating performance of design life for XM-4 5 years    
Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 4    
Space Systems/Loral [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 6    
In-Orbit Satellite [Member] | Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 4    
Number of satellites entitled to future in-orbit performance payments 2    
In-Orbit Satellite [Member] | Space Systems/Loral [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Number of owned satellites 6    
Number of satellites entitled to future in-orbit performance payments 3    
Minimum [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Operating lease obligations, term 1 year    
Maximum [Member]
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]      
Operating lease obligations, term 15 years