Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	$ 744,337
2014	483,511
2015	385,585
2016	260,999
2017	249,783
Thereafter	2,950,050
Total	5,074,265
Long-term debt obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	1,661
2014	207
2015	165
2016	8
Thereafter	2,000,000
Total	2,002,041
Capital lease obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	66,048
2014	72,535
2015	26,269
2016	29,095
2017	32,472
Thereafter	260,039
Total	486,458
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	186,475
2014	183,531
2015	175,524
2016	172,704
2017	169,569
Thereafter	441,541
Total	1,329,344
Satellite-related obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	216,511
2014	203,748
2015	168,908
2016	49,494
2017	40,641
Thereafter	240,367
Total	919,669
Operating lease obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	19,196
2014	16,613
2015	13,052
2016	8,031
2017	5,434
Thereafter	8,103
Total	70,429
Purchase and other obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	243,257
2014	2,296
2015	1,667
2016	1,667
2017	1,667
Total	250,554
Payments in connection with acquisitions
Commitments and Contingencies
2013	11,189
2014	4,581
Total	$ 15,770