Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011 Year	Dec. 31, 2010 Year
Summary of definite life intangible assets
Accumulated amortization	$ (223,380)	$ (178,547)
Total intangible assets, Gross carrying value	2,811,235	2,811,235
Total intangible assets, Net carrying value	2,587,855	2,632,688
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Summary of definite life intangible assets
Weighted average useful lives	9.1	9.1
Gross carrying value	78,897	78,897
Accumulated amortization	(31,641)	(24,130)
Net carrying value	47,256	54,767
FCC Licenses [Member]
Summary of indefinite life intangible assets
Gross carrying value	2,083,654	2,083,654
Net carrying value	2,083,654	2,083,654
Trademarks [Member]
Summary of indefinite life intangible assets
Gross carrying value	250,000	250,000
Net carrying value	250,000	250,000
Subscriber relationships [Member]
Summary of definite life intangible assets
Weighted average useful lives	9	9
Gross carrying value	380,000	380,000
Accumulated amortization	(179,976)	(144,325)
Net carrying value	200,024	235,675
Proprietary software [Member]
Summary of definite life intangible assets
Weighted average useful lives	6	6
Gross carrying value	16,552	16,552
Accumulated amortization	(11,073)	(9,566)
Net carrying value	5,479	6,986
Developed technology [Member]
Summary of definite life intangible assets
Weighted average useful lives	10	10
Gross carrying value	2,000	2,000
Accumulated amortization	(633)	(483)
Net carrying value	1,367	1,517
Leasehold interests [Member]
Summary of definite life intangible assets
Weighted average useful lives	7.4	7.4
Gross carrying value	132	132
Accumulated amortization	(57)	(43)
Net carrying value	$ 75	$ 89

Indefinite lived intangible assets gross excluding goodwill.

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Intangible assets gross excluding goodwill.

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The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References

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The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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The calculated weighted-average useful life of all finite-lived intangible assets.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Sum of the carrying amounts (original costs for current and prior period additions adjusted for impairment, if any) as of the balance sheet date of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, having a projected indefinite period of benefit.

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Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges.

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