Property and Equipment (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	$ 105,112	$ 90,827
Satellites
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	46,544	37,059
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	31,965	31,808
Customer rental equipment
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	23,287	18,765
Buildings and improvements
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	$ 3,316	$ 3,195