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, 2012
Satellites
Mar. 31, 2011
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment $ 52,191 $ 53,097
Number of owned satellites (in satellites) 9  
Capitalized expenditures, including interest $ 8,665 $ 28,815
Sirius system [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites (in satellites) 4  
XM system [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites (in satellites) 5  
Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites (in satellites) 4  
Space Systems/Loral [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites (in satellites) 5