CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other	$ 18,725	$ 16,945
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - EchoStar	0	0
Noncurrent Assets:
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 3,183,169	$ 3,043,609
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	275,448,372	270,613,262
Common stock, shares outstanding	219,330,112	214,495,002
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