Property and Equipment (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense	$ 365,591	$ 278,872	$ 197,816
Satellites
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense	150,034	112,182	92,750
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense	202,628	157,274	98,481
Buildings and improvements
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense	$ 12,929	$ 9,416	$ 6,585