Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Benefits Plans (Details Textual)

v2.3.0.15
Benefits Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Dec. 31, 2010
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]          
Share-based compensation expense $ 13,983 $ 16,220 $ 36,006 $ 47,443  
Percentage of weighting of observable historical volatility in 2010         100.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
         
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]          
Share-based compensation expense 13,201 11,679 33,098 32,459  
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted     $ 1.04 $ 0.66  
Granted, options     77,451,000    
Total Intrinsic value of stock options exercised     10,011 5,611  
Sirius XM Savings Plan [Member]
         
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]          
Share-based compensation expense 782 724 2,365 2,649  
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%   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%   50.00%    
Minimum of employee contributions of pre-tax eligible earnings to Company 401(k) Savings Plan 1.00%   1.00%    
Vesting percentage of Employer contributions for each year of employment 33.33%   33.33%    
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
         
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]          
Common stock available for future grants 196,121,000   196,121,000    
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
         
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]          
Share-based compensation expense 0 1,385 543 6,059  
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock and restricted stock units that vested     $ 3,178,000 $ 3,923,000  
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 145,460   145,460   108,170
Weighted average expected period for recognition of compensation expenses 3 years   3 years    
Profit Sharing [Member]
         
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]          
Share-based compensation expense $ 0 $ 2,432 $ 0 $ 6,276  
Third Parties [Member]
         
Benefits Plans (Textual) [Abstract]          
Granted, options 0 0 0 0