CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other	$ 17,334	$ 29,650
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - EchoStar	0	0
Noncurrent Assets:
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment	$ 2,688,213	$ 2,684,521
Class A common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,600,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	263,695,329	260,917,977
Common stock, shares outstanding	207,577,069	204,799,717
Class B common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	238,435,208	238,435,208
Common stock, shares outstanding	238,435,208	238,435,208
Class C common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0