Other income (expense): Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Subscriber acquisition costs Hardware subsidies paid to radio manufacturers, distributors and automakers, including subsidies paid to automakers who include a radio and a prepaid subscription to our service in the sale or lease price of a new vehicle; subsidies paid for chip sets and certain other components used in manufacturing radios; commissions paid to retailers and automakers as incentives to purchase, install and activate radios; product warranty obligations; provisions for inventory allowance; and compensation costs associated with stock-based awards granted in connection with certain distribution agreements. Subscriber acquisition costs Programming and content Costs to acquire, create and produce content and on-air talent costs. Programming and content Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) Net income Net income Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt and credit facilities, net Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total Loss on extinguishment of debt and credit facilities, net Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Expense, Total Interest Expense Interest and investment loss Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Interest and investment (loss) income Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Income from operations Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Engineering, design and development Technology Services Costs Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense, Total Selling and Marketing Expense Other revenue Other Sales Revenue, Net Advertising revenue, net of agency fees Advertising Revenue Subscription Revenue Subscriber revenue Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract] Statement of Operations Total assets Assets Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Related party long-term assets Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent, Total Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Goodwill Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred financing fees, net Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net, Total Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Restricted Investments, Noncurrent Long-term restricted investments Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Total current assets Assets, Current, Total Assets, Current Other Assets, Current Other current assets Other current assets Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current, Total Prepaid Expense, Current Inventory, net Inventory, Net, Total Inventory, Net Related party current assets Due from Related Parties, Current, Total Due from Related Parties, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts receivable, net Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred stock Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 50,000,000 authorized at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009: Series A convertible preferred stock (liquidation preference of $0 at September 31, 2010 and $51,370 at December 31, 2009); no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 24,808,959 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009 Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B-1 Convertible perpetual preferred stock, series B (liquidation preference of $13 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009); 12,500,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 Convertible preferred stock, Series C junior Convertible preferred stock, series C junior; no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 Common stock, par value $0.001; 9,000,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010; 3,943,060,217 and 3,933,195,112 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Total Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholder's equity Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Current portion of deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Deferred Revenue, Current Related party current liabilities Due to Related Parties, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current, Total Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Related party long-term liabilities Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent, Total Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred Stock, shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Business [Abstract] Business. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill. Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Intangible Assets [Abstract] Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Text Block] Property and Equipment Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Debt [Abstract] Debt. Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders? Equity Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Interest Costs [Abstract] Interest Costs Subscriber Revenue [Abstract] Subscriber Revenue. Benefits Plans Benefits Plans [Abstract] Benefits Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash and Non-Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash paid during the period for: Interest Paid, Net [Abstract] Interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net, Total Interest Paid, Net Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other long-term assets Other long-term assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Additions to property and equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Repayment of long-term borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Related Party Debt Related party long-term borrowings, net of costs Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Long-term borrowings, net of costs Accumulated Deficit [Member] Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Deficit. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Beginning Balance, shares Ending Balance, shares Shares, Issued Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Income tax expense Repayment of long-term borrowings CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract] Balance Sheets Engineering, design and development Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Long-term related party debt Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all related party long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date. Long-term related party debt Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract] Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Receivables from distributors Amounts due from OEMs and other distributors. Receivables from distributors Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Current portion of deferred credit on executory contracts Other Deferred Credits, Current Deferred credit on executory contracts Other Deferred Credits, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Total Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Total Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, liquidation preference Equipment revenue Revenue and royalties from the sale of radios, components and accessories. Equipment revenue Total revenue Sales Revenue, Net, Total Sales Revenue, Net Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Cost of services: Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract] Cost of equipment Cost of Goods Sold, Total Cost of Goods Sold General and administrative General and Administrative Expense, Total General and Administrative Expense Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Share-based Compensation Total share-based payment expense Share-based payment expense Non-cash interest expense, net of amortization of premium Paid-in-Kind Interest Recognition of Deferred Revenue Amortization of deferred income related to equity method investment Amortization of deferred income related to equity method investment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Loss on disposal of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets, Total Loss on disposal of assets Other non-cash purchase price adjustments Other Noncash Expense Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Receivables from distributors Receivables from distributors Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collections of Investments Sale of restricted and other investments Sale of restricted and other investments Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $63 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $57 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $63 Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation Issuance of common stock to employees and employee benefit plans, net of forfeitures Share-based payment expense Exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units Investments [Abstract] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Business Net income per common share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Satellite And Transmission Satellite and transmission Costs associated with the operation and maintenance of our satellites; satellite telemetry, tracking and control system; terrestrial repeater network; satellite uplink facility; and broadcast studios. Revenue share and royalties Distribution and content provider revenue share, residuals and broadcast and web streaming royalties. Revenue share and royalties Customer Service And Billing Customer service and billing Customer service and billing expenses include costs associated with the operation of our customer service centers and subscriber management systems as well as bad debt expense. Income Loss Before Income Taxes Income before income taxes Income (loss) before income taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes. Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Current maturities of long-term debt Restricted Cash And Investments Disclosure Text Block Investments This item includes equity method investments, convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, auction rate certificates, and restricted cash and investments (deposits placed into escrow for the benefit of third parties) held by the Company. Interest Costs Disclosure Text Block Interest Costs Description of interest costs incurred. Subscriber Revenue Disclosure Text Block Subscriber Revenue Description of subscription fees, revenue derived from our agreements with daily rental fleet operators, non-refundable activation and other fees and the effect of rebates. Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Total comprehensive income Issuance Of Common Stock To Employees And Employee Benefit Plans Net Of Forfeitures Issuance of common stock to employees and employee benefit plans, net of forfeitures Issuance of common stock to employees and employee benefit plans, net of forfeitures Issuance of common stock to employees and employee benefit plans, net of forfeitures. Issuance of common stock to employees and employee benefit plans, net of forfeitures, shares Issuance of common stock to employees and employee benefit plans, net of forfeitures, Shares. Issuance of common stock to employees and employee benefit plans, net of forfeitures, Shares Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Long-term Debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Long-term Debt, Total Payment of premiums on redemption of debt Increase Decrease in Due from Related Party Related party assets Related party assets The aggregate net change during the reporting period in the amount due from the following types of related parties: a parent company and its subsidiaries; subsidiaries of a common parent; an entity and trust for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entity's management; an entity and its principal owners, management, or member of their immediate families, affiliates, or other parties with the ability to exert significant influence. Increase Decrease In Due To Related Party Related party liabilities The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations to be paid to the following types of related parties: a parent company and its subsidiaries; subsidiaries of a common parent; an entity and trust for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entities' management; an entity and its principal owners, management, or member of their immediate families, affiliates, or other parties with the ability to exert significant influence. Loss on equity investments Loss on investments, net Loss on investments Loss on equity investments. Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Asset, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Asset, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Tax Asset, Net, Current, Total Deferred tax asset Sale leaseback of equipment Sale-leaseback of equipment Sale-leaseback of equipment. Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax, Total Tax effect on foreign currency translation Exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation