CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other	$ 15,981	$ 13,834
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	275,950,537	270,613,262
Common stock, shares outstanding	219,832,277	214,495,002
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