v2.3.0.15

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 year satellite customer unit month
Revenue Recognition
Period of service contract under consumer rental program (in months)		24
Reward from the U.S. Government as the only national provider of high-speed satellite broadband service	$ 59
Capitalized Software Costs
Estimated useful life of capitalized software costs, maximum (in years)		5

X

- Definition

Broadband stimulus programs award from government.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

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Period Type:	duration

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- Definition

Capitalized Software Costs, Estimated Useful Life, Maximum.

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Consumer rental program period of service contract.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	sats
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

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