Related Party Transactions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions

Schedule of dollar value of set-top boxes and other equipment purchased from EchoStar and purchases included in "Cost of sales- subscriber promotion subsidies-EchoStar"

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Purchases from EchoStar	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Set-top boxes and other equipment	$	1,028,588	$	1,158,293	$	1,470,173
Set-top boxes and other equipment included in “Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies — EchoStar”	$	264,208	$	249,440	$	175,777

Schedule of transactions with NagraStar

	For the Three Months
	Ended March 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	22,019	$	17,484

	As of
	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	23,615	$	21,930

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	72,549	$	77,705	$	79,547

	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	21,930	$	5,853