CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other	$ 20,178	$ 15,981
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - EchoStar	$ 0	$ 0
Class A common stock
Current Assets:
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	278,535,403	275,950,537
Common stock, shares outstanding	222,417,143	219,832,277
Class B common stock
Current Assets:
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