Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) | 9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | |
| Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Rollforward | |
| Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets | $ 0 |
| Sensitivity Analysis of Fair Value, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Impairment Impact of Adverse Change in Significant Assumptions | 0 |
FCC Licenses | |
| Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Rollforward | |
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets, beginning balance | 2,500,192,000 |
| Additions | 13,579,000 |
| Disposals | 0 |
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets, ending balance | 2,513,771,000 |
Microwave Relocation Costs | |
| Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Rollforward | |
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets, beginning balance | 22,049,000 |
| Additions | 2,780,000 |
| Disposals | 0 |
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets, ending balance | $ 24,829,000 |