CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ( UNAUDITED ) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 439,238	$ 760,092
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances)	530,178	553,022
Programs and program licenses	392,141	336,305
Other current assets	71,203	66,549
Total current assets	1,432,760	1,715,968
Investments	477,551	455,267
Property and equipment, net	223,205	219,845
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill	573,482	510,484
Other intangible assets, net	648,243	556,095
Other assets:
Programs and program licenses (less current portion)	367,642	299,089
Unamortized network distribution incentives	27,842	46,239
Other non-current assets	149,248	158,683
Total Assets	3,899,973	3,961,670
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,422	12,482
Program rights payable	42,422	50,402
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	38,276	52,814
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	47,694	49,920
Accrued marketing and advertising costs	7,662	6,838
Other accrued liabilities	64,440	60,443
Total current liabilities	209,916	232,899
Deferred income taxes	65,935	100,002
Long-term debt	1,384,148	1,383,945
Other liabilities (less current portion)	209,964	148,429
Total liabilities	1,869,963	1,865,275
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	115,722	162,750
SNI shareholders' equity:
Total	1,498	1,571
Additional paid-in capital	1,381,362	1,346,429
Retained earnings	272,750	364,073
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(24,701)	(33,347)
Total SNI shareholders' equity	1,630,909	1,678,726
Noncontrolling interest	283,379	254,919
Total equity	1,914,288	1,933,645
Total Liabilities and Equity	3,899,973	3,961,670
Class A [Member]
SNI shareholders' equity:
Common stock	1,155	1,228
Voting Common Stock [Member]
SNI shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 343	$ 343