Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Property and Equipment (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.6
Property and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2012
Satellites
Jun. 30, 2011
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]        
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment $ 53,142 $ 52,102 $ 105,333 $ 105,199
Number of owned satellites (in satellites)     9  
Capitalized expenditures, including interest $ 8,340 $ 29,137 $ 17,005 $ 50,702
Sirius system [Member]
       
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]        
Number of owned satellites (in satellites)     4  
XM system [Member]
       
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]        
Number of owned satellites (in satellites)     5  
Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
       
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]        
Number of owned satellites (in satellites)     4  
Space Systems/Loral [Member]
       
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]        
Number of owned satellites (in satellites)     5