Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.3.0.15
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Oct. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name SIRIUS XM RADIO INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000908937    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 3,689,667,663
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   3,750,481,308