Related Party Transactions (Details 6) (Sirius Canada [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Sirius Canada [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty income	$ 9,945	[1]
Dividend income	460	[1]
Total revenue	$ 10,405	[1]

[1] Sirius Canada combined with XM Canada in June 2011.