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
Mar. 31, 2013
Satellites
Mar. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Depreciation expense on property and equipment $ 54,427 $ 52,191
Disposal of equipment 12,656  
Loss on disposal of assets (124) 0
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 9  
Capitalized expenditures, including interest $ 8,164 $ 8,665
Sirius system [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 4  
XM system [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 5  
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 5