Registration of securities issued in business combination transactions

Leases and Transponder Service Agreements (Details)

v2.4.0.8
Leases and Transponder Service Agreements (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Mar. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
item
Dec. 31, 2011
item
Dec. 31, 2010
Capital transponders          
2013 $ 11   $ 14    
2014 11   12    
2015 11   11    
2016 10   10    
2017 10   10    
Thereafter 38   38    
Total 91   95    
Operating leases          
2013 16   21    
2014 15   14    
2015 12   12    
2016 8   9    
2017 7   8    
Thereafter 96   96    
Total 154   160    
Number of U.S. satellites     2    
Number of international satellites     4    
Capital transponder monthly lease expense 1   1    
Number of transponder agreements     9    
Number of new agreements     2 2  
Additional capital lease obligations     24 35  
Capital leases income statement amortization expense 4 4 11 14 13
Imputed interest on capital lease 9   9    
Operating leases rent expense net $ 8 $ 7 $ 31 $ 24 $ 22
Term of operating lease     21 years