v2.4.0.6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenue Recognition
Period of service contract under consumer rental program	24 months
Advertising Costs
Advertising Expenses	$ 47	$ 28	$ 6
Capitalized Software Costs
Capitalized software costs	15.9	6.0
Amortization expense relating to capitalized software costs	0.3
Brazil authorization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful life	15 years
Level 2
Fair value measurements
Orbital incentive obligations	$ 30	$ 6
Minimum
Other Investments Securities - Cost and Equity Method
Ownership percentage of voting securities in investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting	20.00%
Property and equipment
Useful life	1 year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful life	1 year
Maximum
Property and equipment
Useful life	40 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful life	20 years
Capitalized Software Costs
Software useful life	5 years

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