Acquisition (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 08, 2010 Stonewood acquisition [Member]	Dec. 15, 2009 Wild Blue Acquisition [Member]
Summary of purchase price allocation of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values
Current assets	$ 4,382	$ 106,672
Property, equipment and satellites	484	378,263
Identifiable intangible assets	11,199	82,070
Goodwill	7,381	9,809
Deferred income taxes		22,693
Other assets		1,969
Total assets acquired	23,446	601,476
Current liabilities	(1,843)	(19,689)
Other long-term liabilities	(2,770)	(7,168)
Total liabilities assumed	(4,613)	(26,857)
Total purchase price	$ 18,833	$ 574,619