Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.8
Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
attorneys
Satellites
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Agreement term to repurchase certain products shipped to distributor from date of shipment (after 90 days) 90 days
Number of owned satellites 9
Accrual related to contingent performance payments for XM-3 and XM-4 $ 27,075
Number of state attorneys general 34
FM-5, XM-5, XM-4 and XM-3 [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Operating performance over design life 15 years
XM-4 [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Additional payments required if XM-4 continues to operate above baseline specifications 10,000
Period beyond expected operating performance of design life for XM-4 5 years
SIRIUS FM-5 [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Accrual related to contingent performance 6,993
XM-5 [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Accrual related to contingent performance $ 21,787
Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Number of owned satellites 4
In-Orbit Satellite [Member] | Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Number of owned satellites 4
Number of satellites entitled to future in-orbit performance payments 2
Minimum [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Operating lease obligations, term 1 year
Maximum [Member]
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]  
Operating lease obligations, term 15 years