v2.4.0.6
Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Rollforward      
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, beginning balance $ 2,522,241,000    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, ending balance 2,539,041,000 2,522,241,000  
Cash paid to acquire indefinite-lived intangibles 4,445,000 8,873,000 19,186,000
Gain recognized on spectrum exchange 45,800,000    
FCC Licenses
      
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Rollforward      
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, beginning balance 2,500,192,000 2,451,544,000  
Additions 13,578,000 56,451,000  
Disposals 0 (7,803,000)  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, ending balance 2,513,770,000 2,500,192,000 2,451,544,000
Cash paid to acquire indefinite-lived intangibles 3,000,000   14,600,000
Microwave Relocation Costs
      
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Rollforward      
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, beginning balance 22,049,000 18,638,000  
Additions 3,222,000 4,183,000  
Disposals 0 (772,000)  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, ending balance $ 25,271,000 $ 22,049,000