CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other	$ 14,633	$ 12,350
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - EchoStar	0	0
Noncurrent Assets:
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 2,964,479	$ 2,862,626
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	268,243,361	264,732,074
Common stock, shares outstanding	212,125,101	208,613,814
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