Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Property and Equipment (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.8
Property and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2013
Satellites
Sep. 30, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]        
Depreciation expense on property and equipment $ 46,426 $ 53,373 $ 155,923 $ 158,706
Disposal of property and equipment     13,130 4,633
(Loss) on disposal of assets     (128) (567)
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]        
Number of owned satellites     9  
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  
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  
SIRIUS FM-6 [Member]
       
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]        
Capitalized expenditures, including interest $ 28,608 $ 8,219 $ 44,982 $ 25,224