AbstractDeiAbstract Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] DIRECTV [Member] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock [Member] DIRECTV Class A Common Shares [Member] DIRECTV Class B Common Shares [Member] DIRECTV Class A and B Common Shares [Member] DIRECTV Class A and B Common Shares [Member] Revenues Revenues Net Income Attributable To Class A Common Stockholders. Net Income Attributable To Class A Common Stockholders Net income attributable to Class A common stockholders (DIRECTV Group common stockholders for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009) Net Income Attributable To Class B Common Stockholders Net Income Attributable To Class B Common Stockholders Net income attributable to Class B common stockholders, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction (Note 8) Net income attributable to The DIRECTV Group common stockholders Net income attributable to The DIRECTV Group common stockholders Net income attributable to DIRECTV Group, Inc. common stockholders Basic Earnings Attributable to Stockholders Per Common Share. Basic Earnings Attributable to Stockholders Per Common Share Basic earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share (DIRECTV Group common shares for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009) Diluted Earnings Attributable to Stockholders Per Common Share. Diluted Earnings Attributable to Stockholders Per Common Share Diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class A stockholders per common share (DIRECTV Group common shares for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009) Basic And Diluted Earnings Attributable to ClassB Stockholders Per Common Share Basic And Diluted Earnings Attributable to ClassB Stockholders Per Common Share Basic and diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV Class B stockholders per common share, including $160 million exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction (Note 8) Weighted average number of total common shares outstanding (in millions) Basic Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted average number of common shares attributable to DIRECTV, basic Diluted Weighted average number of common shares attributable to DIRECTV, diluted Weighted average number of common shares attributable to DIRECTV, diluted Costs And Expenses Abstract Operating costs and expenses Costs of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense Costs primarily include license fees for subscription service programming, pay-per-view programming, live sports and other events. Other costs include expenses associated with the publication and distribution of our programming guide, continuing service fees paid to third parties for active subscribers, warranty service costs and production costs for on-air advertisements sold to third parties. Broadcast programming and other Subscriber service expenses include the costs of customer call centers, billing, remittance processing and certain home services expenses, such as in-home repair costs. Subscriber service expenses Broadcast operations expenses include broadcast center operating costs, signal transmission expenses (including costs of collecting signals for our local channel offerings), and costs of monitoring, maintaining and insuring our satellites. Broadcast operations expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense Subscriber acquisition costs include the cost of set-top receivers and other equipment, commissions paid to national retailers, independent satellite television retailers, dealers, regional Bell operating companies, and the cost of installation, advertising, marketing and customer call center expenses associated with the acquisition of new subscribers. Subscriber acquisition costs Upgrade and retention costs are associated upgrade efforts for existing subscribers that will result in higher average monthly revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, and lower churn. Upgrade efforts include subscriber equipment upgrade programs for DVR, HD and HD DVR receivers and local channels, multiple set-top receiver offer and similar initiatives. Retention costs also include the costs of installing and providing hardware under the movers program for subscribers relocating to a new residence. Upgrade and retention costs General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense, Total Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expense Add: Depreciation and amortization expense Costs And Expenses Total operating costs and expenses Operating profit Operating profit (loss) Operating profit Operating profit Interest income Interest And Debt Expense Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense, Total This element also includes fair value adjustments to the equity collar and gains on the settlement of debt Liberty transaction and related gains Liberty transaction and related gains Liberty transaction and related gains Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other, net Other, net Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Income tax expense Income tax expense Income tax expense Income tax expense Net income Net income Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to DIRECTV Net income Net income attributable to DIRECTV Exchange Inducement Value, Malone Exchange Inducement Value, Malone Exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $87 and $56 Receivables, Net, Current, Total Inventories, net Inventories Inventory, Net, Total Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Sum of the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year and aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year. Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid expenses and other Total current assets Total current assets The amounts capitalized for satellites currently being constructed and those that have been successfully launched, which include the costs of construction, launch, launch insurance, incentive obligations and related capitalized interest. These assets are held by us for the use in the broadcast of DIRECTV service, for lease by others, or for utilization as a spare. These assets are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year, and are recorded at net of accumulated depreciation. Satellites, net Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Goodwill Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill, beginning balance Intangible assets, net Indefinite and finite-lived intangible assets, net amount Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Investments and other assets Investments and other assets Assets, total Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Remaining required payments for the right to use the satellite for Sky Brazil Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Unearned subscriber revenues and deferred credits Unearned subscriber revenues and deferred credits Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current, Total Current portion of long-term debt Less: Current portion of long-term debt Less: Current portion of long-term debt Current portion of long-term debt Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt Long-term debt Deferred Tax Liabilities Non current Deferred income taxes Other liabilities and deferred credits Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses like gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. This caption alerts the reader that one or more notes to the financial statements disclose pertinent information about the entity's commitments and contingencies. Commitments and Contingenciesbs Commitments and contingencies A financial contract between two parties, the buyer, who has a noncontrolling interest in the Company's Subsidiary, and the seller of the option, the Company, where the buyer has the right but not the obligation to sell the remaining shares of the Subsidiary to the seller at a certain time(s) for a certain price (the negotiated price). The seller has the obligation to purchase the underlying asset at that negotiated price, if the buyer exercises the option. This disclosure is carried at fair value Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Redeemable noncontrolling interest fair value, ending balance Redeemable noncontrolling interest fair value, beginning balance Redeemable noncontrolling interest Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Abstract Stockholders' equity Aggregate of par value plus amounts in excess of par value or issuance value (in cases of no-par value stock) for common stock held by shareholders. Aggregate value for common stock issued and outstanding. Common Stock and Additional Paid in Capital Common stock and additional paid-in capital-$0.01 par value, 3,500,000,000 shares authorized, 843,844,207 and 911,377,919 shares issued and outstanding of DIRECTV Class A common stock at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively and $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, 21,809,863 shares issued and outstanding of DIRECTV Class B common stock at December 31, 2009 Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance, value Beginning balance, value Total stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Common stock - par value Common stock - shares authorized Common stock - shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock - shares outstanding Common shares outstanding ending balance Common shares outstanding beginning balance CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Operating Activities Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Amortization of deferred revenues and deferred credits Amortization of deferred revenues and deferred credits Share-based compensation expense Share-based compensation expense Equity earnings in unconsolidated affiliates Equity earnings in unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Dividends received Net foreign currency transaction gain Net foreign currency transaction gains Net foreign currency transaction loss (gains) Deferred Income Taxes And Tax Credits Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits, Total Other Change in operating assets and liabilities: Change in other operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense And Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Unearned subscriber revenue and deferred credits Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities, Total Other, net Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Flows From Investing Activities Cash paid for property and equipment Cash paid for property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, satellites that are used in the broadcast of DIRECTV service and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed satellites. Cash paid for satellites Investment in companies, net of cash acquired Investment in companies, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Other, net Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities Cash proceeds from debt issuance Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs Repayment of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total The cash outflow for the repayment of the Collar Loan which has a term of repayment within one year Repayment of collar loan Repayment of collar loan Repayment of other long-term obligations Common shares repurchased and retired Common shares repurchased and retired Amount paid for stock repurchases Stock options exercised Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation. Taxes Paid In Connection With Net Settlement Of Stock Options Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Net, Total Cash paid for income taxes Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation, label Basis of Presentation Acquisitions Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure Text Block Acquisition Accounting Changes and New Accounting Standards [Abstract] Accounting Change and New Accounting Standard Schedule of new accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting principles text block Accounting Change and New Accounting Standard Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure Text Block Goodwill and Intangible Assets Borrowings Debt Disclosure text block Borrowings Commitments and Contingencies Contingencies Commitments and contingencies disclosure text block Contingencies Related-Party Transactions Related-Party Transactions Related-Party Transactions, label Related-Party Transactions Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, label Stockholders' Equity Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Common Share, label Earnings Per Common Share Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Segment Reporting textblock Segment Reporting Schedule of preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the LEI net liabilities assumed Business acquisition, pro forma information Schedule of goodwill Schedule of intangible assets Schedule of amortization expense text block Schedule of amortization expense text block Schedule of amortization expense Schedule of outstanding borrowings Schedule of outstanding senior notes balance and fair value Schedule of sales to and purchase from, related parties text block Schedule of sales to and purchase from, related parties text block Schedule of sales to, and purchase from, related parties Schedule of accounts receivable from and accounts payable to related parties text block Schedule of accounts receivable from and accounts payable to related parties text block Schedule of accounts receivable from and accounts payable to related parties Schedule of shares repurchased and retired Reconciliation of stockholders equity Text Block Reconciliation of stockholders equity Text Block Reconciliation of stockholders' equity accumulated other comprehensive income loss text block accumulated other comprehensive income loss text block Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of the number of common stock options excluded from the computation of diluted EPS Schedule of common share outstanding text block Schedule of common share outstanding text block Schedule of common shares outstanding Schedule of reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS text block Schedule of reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS text block Schedule of reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS Selected information for operating segments Reconciliation of operating profit before depreciation and amortization text block Reconciliation of operating profit before depreciation and amortization text block Reconciliation of operating profit before depreciation and amortization Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] GSN [Member] GSN [Member] Sky Mexico [Member] Sky Mexico [Member] Percent Globo Ownership Sky Brazil [Member] Percent Globo Ownership Sky Brazil [Member] Percent Televisa Ownership Sky Mexico [Member] Percent Televisa Ownership Sky Mexico [Member] Sky Brazil [Member] Sky Brazil [Member] Equity method investment, ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent The ownership percentage in the entity held by the majority interest owner. Majority interest owner, ownership percentage Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Three regional sports networks [Member] Three regional sports networks [Member] Game Show Network, LLC [Member] Game Show Network, LLC [Member] Liberty percentage of equity interest in DIRECTV Group Liberty interest in DIRECTV Group Interest in networks as a result of the Liberty Transaction Liberty transaction, cash and cash equivalents allocated to DIRECTV Liberty Transaction, amount of indebtedness allocated to DIRECTV Liberty transaction amount of indebtedness allocated to DIRECTV Number of common stock options and stock appreciation rights issued LEI, assumed Number of common stock options and stock appreciation rights issued LEI, assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Total Total current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Total Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Total Property and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Total Purchase price allocation, goodwill Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount, Total Purchase price allocation, investments and other assets Investments and other assets Purchase price allocation, total assets acquired Total assets acquired Total assets acquired Purchase price allocation, total current liabilities Total current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Total Purchase price allocation, other liabilities Other liabilities Purchase price allocation, total liabilities assumed Total liabilities assumed Total liabilities assumed Purchase price allocation, net liabilities assumed Net liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net, Total Pro forma revenues Revenues Pro forma net income attributable to DIRECTV Net income attributable to DIRECTV Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted earnings attributable to DIRECTV common shareholder Total payments for the right to use satellite for Sky Brazil Payments made to date for the right to use satellite for Sky Brazil Total amount of recorded payments for the Sky Brazil Satellite Intangible, recorded in "Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities" Accounts Payable Related To Sky Brazil Satellite Intangible Remaining required payments for the right to use the satellite for Sky Brazil Remainder of 2010 amortization expense Remainder of 2010 amortization expense 2011 amortization expense 2012 amortization expense 2013 amortization expense 2014 amortization expense Future amortization expense thereafter Future amortization expense thereafter Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] DIRECTV US [Member] DIRECTV US [Member] DIRECTV Latin America [Member] DIRECTV Latin America [Member] Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other [Member] Sports Networks, Eliminations and Other [Member] Sky Brazil foreign currency translation adjustment Sky Brazil foreign currency translation adjustment Foreign currency translation adjustment Purchase or acquisition accounting adjustments Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Orbital Slots [Member] Orbital slots [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Satellite Rights [Member] Satellite rights [Member] WL Orbital License 72.5 [Member] 72.5 WL Orbital license [Member] Subscriber related [Member] Subscriber related [Member] Dealer network [Member] Dealer network [Member] Trade names and other [Member] Distribution rights [Member] Total Intangible Assets Total intangible assets [Member] Estimated Useful Lives (Years) - Minimum Estimated Useful Lives (Years) - Maximum Estimated Useful Lives (Years) The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major infinite-lived intangible asset class Indefinite Intangible Assets Indefinite intangible assets Gross amount The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major infinite-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. Indefinite Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Indefinite intangible assets, net Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross Finite-Lived Distribution Rights, Gross Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Indefinite and finite-lived intangible assets, gross amount Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Indefinite and finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization Indefinite and finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization Amortization expense Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior secured credit facility [Member] Senior secured credit facility [Member] Senior notes 3.125% due in 2016 [Member] Senior notes 3.125% due in 2016 [Member] Senior notes 4.600% due in 2021 [Member] Senior notes 4.600% due in 2021 [Member] Senior notes 3.550% due in 2015 [Member] Senior notes 3.550% due in 2015 [Member] Senior notes 5.200% due in 2020 [Member] Senior notes 5.200% due in 2020 [Member] Senior notes 6.350% due in 2040 [Member] Senior notes 6.350% due in 2040 [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Ability to borrow under existing credit facility Estimated fair value of the Equity Collar at the balance-sheet date Equity collar fair value Senior notes, amount issued Senior notes, amount issued Senior notes, interest rate Senior note interest rate Debt instrument, year of maturity Debt instrument, year of maturity Senior notes, year of maturity Senior notes, discount rate Senior notes, discount rate Debt instrument fee Debt issuance costs Repurchase debt premium percentage Repurchase Debt Premium Percentage Repurchase debt premium percentage Repurchase Debt Premium Amount Remaining Percentage Repurchase Debt Premium Amount Remaining Percentage Repurchase debt premium amount remaining percentage Pre Tax Charge On Remaining Principal Portion Attributable To Premium Pre Tax Charge On Remaining Principal Portion Attributable To Premium Pre-tax charge attributable to premium Pre-tax charge on repayment of remaining principal Pre-tax charge on repayment of remaining principal After-tax charge on repayment of remaining principal After-tax charge on repayment of remaining principal Write-off of unamortized discount Write-off of unamortized discount Write-off of deferred debt issuance and other transaction costs Purchase of senior notes Purchase of senior notes Senior notes Senior notes, outstanding balance Senior Notes, Total Senior notes, purchase price paid Senior notes, purchase price paid Redemption of senior notes Redemption of senior notes Senior notes redemption price paid Senior notes redemption price paid Notes payable and senior secured credit facility maturing in 2014 Notes payable and senior secured credit facility maturing thereafter Accrued interest related to outstanding debt Senior secured credit facility, net of unamortized discount of $7 million as of December 31, 2009 Secured Debt, Total Unamortized discount Collar Loan Collar Loan Total debt Total debt Senior notes 4.750% due in 2014 [member] Senior notes 4.750% due in 2014 [member] Senior notes 6.375% due in 2015 [Member] Senior notes 6.375% due in 2015 [Member] Senior notes 7.625% due in 2016 [Member] Senior notes 7.625% due in 2016 [Member] Senior notes 5.875% due in 2019 [Member] Senior notes 5.875% due in 2019 [Member] Senior notes 6.000% due in 2040 [Member] Senior notes 6.000% due in 2040 [Member] Debt Instrument, Fair Value Senior notes, fair value Unamortized premium Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Axis] Component of Other Income, Nonoperating, Name [Domain] Interest and Dividend Income [Member] Interest income [Member] Component of Other Operating Cost and Expense, General [Axis] Component of Other Operating Cost and Expense, Name [Domain] General and administrative expenses [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Percent Ownership Sky Brazil [Member] Percent Ownership Sky Brazil [Member] Final Beneficial Ownership Sky Brazil [Member] Final Beneficial Ownership Sky Brazil [Member] Final Ownership Sky Brazil Globo [Member] Final Ownership Sky Brazil Globo [Member] Percent Sky Brazil Exchanged [Member] Percent Sky Brazil Exchanged [Member] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Official Exchange Rate [Member] Official Exchange Rate [Member] SItme Implicit Exchange Rate [Member] SITME Implicit Exchange Rate [Member] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Other Investment Banks [Member] Other investment banks [Member] Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Estimated Fair Value Of Noncontrolling Interest In Sky Brazil Minimum Estimated Fair Value Of Noncontrolling Interest In Sky Brazil Minimum Estimated fair value of noncontrolling interest in Sky Brazil, minimum Estimated Fair Value Of Noncontrolling Interest In Sky Brazil Maximum Estimated Fair Value Of Noncontrolling Interest In Sky Brazil Maximum Estimated fair value of noncontrolling interest in Sky Brazil, maximum Fair value of noncontrolling interest in Sky Brazil, minimum Fair value of noncontrolling interest in Sky Brazil, minimum Fair value of noncontrolling interest in Sky Brazil, maximum Fair value of noncontrolling interest in Sky Brazil, maximum Carrying Value Of Redeemable Non Controlling Interest Owned By Business Partner Carrying Value Of Redeemable Non Controlling Interest Owned By BusinessP artner Carrying amount of Globo's redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sky Brazil Exchange rate of Venezuelan bolivars fuerte per US dollar, after devaluation announcement in January 2010 Exchange Rate Of Venezuelan Bolivars Fuerte Per U.S. Dollar After Devaluation Announcement By Venezuelan Government Exchange rate of Venezuelan bolivars fuerte per US dollar, after devaluation announcement in January 2010 Exchange rate of Venezuelan bolivars fuerte per US dollar, before devaluation announcement in January 2010 Exchange Rate Of Venezuelan Bolivars Fuerte Per U.S. Dollar Before Devaluation Announcement By Venezuelan Government Exchange rate of Venezuelan bolivars fuerte per US dollar, before devaluation announcement in January 2010 Amount of loss attributed to adjustment of bolivars fuerte denominated net monetary assets for new exchange rate announced in January 2010 Amount Of Loss Attributed To Devaluation Of Bolivars Fuerte Denominated Net Monetary Assets Amount of loss attributed to adjustment of bolivars fuerte denominated net monetary assets for new exchange rate announced in January 2010 Exchange rate for Venezuelan bolivar fuerte to US dollar, post devaluation Exchange Rate For Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte To U.S. Dollar Post-Devaluation Devalued exchange rate, bolivars fuerte per US dollar, used to report operating results of Venezuelan subsidiary Venezuelan bolivar to US dollar exchange rates implied on the parallel market, minimum rate Exchange Rate On Parallel Market For Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte To U.S. Dollar, Minimum Rate Venezuelan bolivar to US dollar exchange rates implied on the parallel market, minimum rate Venezuelan bolivar to US dollar exchange rates implied on the parallel market, maximum rate Exchange Rate On Parallel Market For Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte To U.S. Dollar, Maximum Rate Venezuelan bolivar to US dollar exchange rates implied on the parallel market, maximum rate Amount of charges recorded to General and administration expenses in connection with the exchange of accumulated Venezuelan cash balances to US dollars using the parallel exchange process Amount Of Foreign Currency Translation Charges Attributed To Exchange Of Venezuelan Cash Balances To U.S. Dollars Using Parallel Exchange Process Amount of charges recorded to general and administration expenses in connection with the exchange of accumulated Venezuelan cash balances to US dollars using the parallel exchange process Maximum daily trading volume for purchase of US dollar denominated securities through the SITME Exchange Market (alternative to the official process for exchanging foreign currency) Maximum Daily Trading Volume For Purchase Of U.S. Dollar-Denominated Securities Through SITME Exchange Market Maximum daily trading volume for purchase of US dollar denominated securities through the SITME Exchange Market (alternative to the official process for exchanging foreign currency) Maximum equivalent monthly trading volume for purchase of US dollar denominated securities through the SITME Exchange Market (alternative to the official process for exchanging foreign currency) Maximum Equivalent MonthlyTrading Volume For Purchase Of U.S. Dollar-Denominated Securities Through SITME Exchange Market Maximum equivalent monthly trading volume for purchase of US dollar denominated securities through the SITME Exchange Market (alternative to the official process for exchanging foreign currency) Venezuelan bolivar to US dollar weighted average implicit exchange rate established by the SITME Exchange Market Weighted Average Implicit Exchange Rate For Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte To U.S. Dollar Established By Sitme Exchange Market Venezuelan bolivar to US dollar weighted average implicit exchange rate established by the SITME Exchange Market Amount of Venezuelan bolivar fuerte denominated net-assets using the official exchange rate Amount of Venezuelan bolivar fuerte denominated net assets using the official exchange rate Amount of cash included in the Venezuelan bolivar fuerte denominated assets using the official exchange rate Amount Of Cash Included In Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte Denominated Assets Using Official Exchange Rate Amount of cash included in the Venezuelan bolivar fuerte denominated assets using the official exchange rate Proceeds from legal settlements Income tax settlement Income tax settlement The amounts capitalized for satellites that have been successfully launched, which include the costs of construction, launch, launch insurance, incentive obligations and related capitalized interest. These assets are held by us for the use in the broadcast of DIRECTV service, for lease by others, or for utilization as a spare. These assets are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year, and are recorded at net of accumulated depreciation. In-Orbit Satellites, net Discovery Communications [Member] Discovery Communications [Member] Liberty Global [Member] Liberty Global [Member] Liberty Media [Member] Liberty Media [Member] Previous Chairman Voting Interest. Previous Chairman Voting Interest Previous chairman voting interest Reduced Previous Chairman Voting Interest. Reduced Previous Chairman Voting Interest Reduced previous chairman voting interest Previous Chairman Voting Interest Directv. Previous Chairman Voting Interest Directv Previous chairman voting interest directv Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Liberty Media and affiliates [Member] Liberty Media and affiliates [Member] Discovery Communications, Liberty Global and affiliates [Member] Discovery Communications, Liberty Global and affiliates [Member] Other related parties [member] Other Related Parties [Member] Total sales Total purchases Accounts receivable, related parties Accounts receivable Due from Related Parties, Total Accounts payable Due to Related Parties, Total Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Common stock and additional paid in capital [Member] Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated deficit [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of taxes [Member] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Capital contribution received as part of the assumption of the Puerto Rico Condition Capital contribution received as part of the assumption of the Puerto Rico Condition The number of class B common stock retired as part of the Malone Transaction during the period Stock Retired During Period Malone Transaction Decrease for exchange of DIRECTV Class B common shares for DIRECTV Class A common shares as part of the Malone Transaction Malone Transaction, shares retired Common stock and additional paid-in-capital - $0.01 par value , 3,000,000,000 shares authorized; 958,101,752 shares issued and 1,024,182,043 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Fair value of additional Class A shares issued in Malone Transaction Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Fair value of additional Class A shares issued in Malone Transaction Minority interest ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners, prior to conversion Minority interest ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners, prior to conversion Malone voting interest Minority interest ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners, after conversion Minority interest ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners, after conversion Effect Of Stock Conversion On Earnings Per Share Diluted. Effect Of Stock Conversion On Earnings Per Share Diluted Effect Of Stock Conversion on earnings per share diluted Total cost of repurchased shares Stock repurchased and retired, value Stock repurchased and retired - Value Description of entity share repurchase program authorized by the entity's board of directors Additional Stock Repurchases Authorized Stock repurchases, authorized Stock repurchases, remaining amount from the authorization Stock repurchases, remaining amount from the authorization Average price per share Decrease for common shares repurchased and retired Decrease for common shares repurchased and retired Number of shares repurchased and retired Stock repurchased and retired, shares Total Stockholders' Equity [Member] Balance, shares Ending balance, shares Beginning balance, shares Stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested and distributed, shares Increase for stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested and distributed Stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested and distributed, value Stock issued during period Malone transaction Stock Issued During Period Malone Transaction Malone Transaction, shares issued Increase for DIRECTV Class A common shares issued as part of the Malone Transaction.. Tax benefit from stock option exercises Minority Interest Change In Redemption Value Adjustment to fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest Stockholders Equity Other Other Amortization Net Amount Resulting From Changes In Defined Benefit Plan Experience And Actuarial Assumptions Net Of Taxes Amortization Net Amount Resulting From Changes In DefinedBenefit Plan Experience And Actuarial Assumptions Net Of Taxes Amortization of amounts resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of taxes Foreign currency translation adjustment Foreign currency translation activity during the period Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities, net of taxes Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains recognized during the period Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains recognized during the period Unamortized net amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of taxes Unamortized net amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of taxes Unamortized net amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of taxes Unamortized net amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan experience and actuarial assumptions, net of taxes Unamortized amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of taxes Unamortized amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Adjustments to unamortized defined benefit plan amounts, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Total Unamortized amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of taxes Accumulated unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Other Comprehensive Income Adjustment To Defined Benefit Plans Unamortized Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax Other Comprehensive Income Adjustment To Defined Benefit Plans Unamortized Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unamortized amount resulting from changes in defined benefit plan provisions, net of taxes Cumulative translation adjustment resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements into the reporting currency. Reported in equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income. Translation Adjustment, CHange in Functional Currency Net Of Tax Cumulative effect of change in functional currency at Sky Brazil Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income attributable to DIRECTV Comprehensive income attributable to DIRECTV Exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction included in the income attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders. Exchange inducement value included in income for class B Exchange inducement value for the Malone Transaction included in the income attributable to DIRECTV Class B common stockholders Common stock options excluded Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units, shares Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units, shares Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units, per share amount Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units, per share amount Adjusted net income attributable to DIRECTV Adjusted net income attributable to DIRECTV External revenues Intersegment revenues Segment reporting, operating profit before depreciation and amortization Segment reporting, operating profit before depreciation and amortization Operating profit before depreciation and amortization Operating profit before depreciation and amortization The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Common Shares [Member] The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Common Shares [Member] Senior Notes 8375 Due In 2009 [Member] Senior notes 8.375% due in 2009 [Member]