Arrangements with Joint Venture - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Share price (usd per share)	$ 17.34
Cricket Communications [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, pro rata distributions received	$ 25,900,000	$ 9,100,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Optional Pro Rata Distributions Received	57,300,000	50,700,000
Pocket Wireless [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, pro rata distributions received	8,300,000	3,000,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Optional Pro Rata Distributions Received	18,300,000	16,200,000
STX Wireless Acquisition [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest redemption price minimum cash payment	25,000,000
Threshold of shares issuable in a redemption as a percentage of entity's common stock issued and outstanding over which multiple closing is permitted	9.90%
Noncontrolling interest, change in redemption value	(31,970,000)	(28,000)
Due to related parties	6,716,000	8,255,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, equity, carrying amount	68,535,000	64,517,000	95,910,000
STX Wireless Acquisition [Member] | Pocket Wireless [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership percentage acquired	40,700,000
Noncontrolling interest, change in redemption value	(32,000,000)	(700,000)
STX Wireless Acquisition [Member] | Pocket Wireless [Member] | Loan and Security Agreement With Pocket [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	8.00%
Maximum loan committed to joint venture partner	30,000,000
Due to related parties	$ 15,500,000	$ 8,300,000
STX Wireless [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Controlling membership percentage	75.75%
STX Wireless [Member] | Pocket Wireless [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by non controlling interest	24.25%