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Multiplication factor for the conversion of original stock option to new stock option.

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- Definition

New stock option for portion of original stock option.

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- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested right award upon holding one unit of award.

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- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated future forfeiture rate.

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- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options grants in period weighted average fair value of options granted maximum.

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- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options grants in period weighted average fair value of options granted minimum.

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- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year after first four years.

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- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year during first four years.

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- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award right to receive award upon holding one unit of award.

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- Definition

Total Performance Based

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- Definition

Total unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

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- Definition

Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion.

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- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest.

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- Definition

The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, using a decimal to express in number of years.

+ References

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- Definition

The date when the equity-based award expires as specified in the award agreement, which may be presented in a variety of ways (for example, year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter of a year).

+ References

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- Definition

Description of the period of time over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, which may be expressed in a variety of ways (for example, in years, month and year).

+ References

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Description of award terms as to how many shares or portion of an award are no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, thereby giving the employee the legal right to convert the award to shares, to sell the shares, and be entitled to the cash proceeds of such sale. For example, vesting may be expressed as being 25 percent of the shares under option on each anniversary of the grant date.

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- Definition

The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period.

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect during the reporting period as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event specified in the contractual agreement of the plan.

+ References

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- Definition

The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(c)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph c(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(a)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(b)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)(i)-(ii)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

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- Definition

The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(a)

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(b)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)(i)-(ii)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The period of time an equity-based award is expected to be outstanding. An equity-based award's expected term is generally determined based on, among other factors, the instrument's contractual term and the effects of employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 14.D.2)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph e(2)(a)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 14

-Section D

-Subsection 2

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (f)(2)(i)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The maximum period of time an equity-based award is expected to be outstanding. An equity-based award's expected term is generally determined based on, among other factors, the instrument's contractual term and the effects of employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.

+ Details

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- Definition

The minimum period of time an equity-based award is expected to be outstanding. An equity-based award's expected term is generally determined based on, among other factors, the instrument's contractual term and the effects of employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.

+ Details

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- Definition

The estimated measure of the percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period.

+ References

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The estimated measure of the maximum percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period.

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The estimated measure of the minimum percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period.

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- Definition

The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

The maximum risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares.

+ Details

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- Definition

The minimum risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares.

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- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

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The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the option plan as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

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- Definition

The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan.

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan.

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted average price at which option holders acquired shares when converting their stock options into shares under the plan during the reporting period.

+ References

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- Definition

For presentations that combine terminations, the number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan or that expired.

+ References

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- Definition

The combined weighted average exercise price associated with stock options during the period that have either lapsed or been forfeited.

+ References

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- Definition

Net number of share options (or share units) granted during the period.

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on stock options awarded under the plan during the reporting period.

+ References

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- Definition

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology.

+ References

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- Definition

The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices pertaining to options outstanding under the plan as of the balance sheet date.

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- Definition

The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(1)(i)-(ii)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(1)(a)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(1)(b)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

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- Definition

The weighted average price as of the beginning of the year at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan.

+ References

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- Definition

Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 3

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(1)(iv)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 29, 30

-Article 5

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)

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- Definition

Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified stock options) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from non-qualified stock options recognized on the income statement. This element increases net cash provided by operating activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A132

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 20

-Section 55

-Paragraph 24

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Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011 year	Sep. 30, 2010 year	Sep. 30, 2011 year	Sep. 30, 2010 year	Jan. 02, 2008 stockoption
Stock-Based Compensation
Percentage of stock awards vesting per year (as a percent)			20% to 33% per year
Restricted stock units
Stock-Based Compensation
Restricted stock unit converted into new restricted stock units					5
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)			107,249
Granted (in shares)			49,950
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)			(6,248)
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	150,951		150,951
Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 27.33
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 36.43
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	$ 28.17		$ 28.17
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 30.29		$ 30.29
Restricted Performance Units
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	89,776		89,776
Stock options
Stock-Based Compensation
Expiration term (in years)			ten years
Stock option converted into new stock options					2
Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option					0.831219
Portion of the number of shares that were exercisable under the original option needed to receive a new stock option.					one-fifth
Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to new stock option					0.843907
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)			7,795,373
Granted (in shares)			2,600,000
Exercised (in shares)			(1,035,504)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)			(225,000)
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	9,134,869		9,134,869
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	2,660,787		2,660,787
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 23.24
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 36.82		$ 36.82
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 23.95		$ 23.95
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)			$ 21.25
Total options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 27.07		$ 27.07
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 25.46		$ 25.46
Aggregate intrinsic value
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$ 14,097,000		$ 14,097,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	3,236,000		3,236,000
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Tax benefit from stock awards exercised	329,000	53,000	5,205,000	1,005,000
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.19%	1.64%
Risk-free Interest Rate, low end of range (as a percent)			1.19%	1.64%
Risk-free Interest Rate, high end of range (as a percent)			2.57%	2.97%
Volatility factor (as a percent)	37.85%	31.32%
Volatility factor, low end of range (as a percent)			34.68%	31.00%
Volatility factor, high end of range (as a percent)			38.68%	31.51%
Expected term of options (in years)	6.0	6.2
Minimum expected term of options (in years)			5.1	6.1
Maximum expected term of options (in years)			6.0	6.2
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 8.59	$ 6.44
Weighted-average fair value of options granted, low end of the range (in dollars per share)			$ 8.59	$ 6.44
Weighted-average fair value of options granted, high end of the range (in dollars per share)			$ 14.42	$ 7.38
Dividend yield percentage (as a percent)			0.00%
Long-term performance based plans
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	673,000		673,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 25.31		$ 25.31
Performance Based Activity [Abstract]
Total performance based	762,776		762,776
Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 26.68		$ 26.68
LTIP 2005
LTIP Terms
Awards vesting period (in years)			seven years
Percentage of awards vesting per annum during first four years (as a percent)			10.00%
Percentage of awards vesting per annum after first four years (as a percent)			20.00%
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards			20,422,000
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	15,749,000		15,749,000
LTIP 2005 \| EchoStar Awards \| Held by EchoStar employees
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards			3,393,000
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	2,616,000		2,616,000
LTIP 2005 \| DISH Network Awards \| Held by EchoStar employees
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards			17,029,000
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion	13,133,000		13,133,000
EchoStar Awards
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	9,134,869		9,134,869
EchoStar Awards \| Held by EchoStar employees
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	8,311,514		8,311,514
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	93,165		93,165
EchoStar Awards \| Held by DISH Network employees
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	823,454		823,454
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	57,786		57,786
DISH Network Awards \| Held by EchoStar employees
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	3,011,803		3,011,803
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	211,124		211,124
DISH Network Awards \| Held by DISH Network employees
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	3,011,803		3,011,803
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	211,124		211,124
Non-Performance Based Stock Awards
Stock-Based Compensation
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 52,000,000		$ 52,000,000
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Future forfeiture rate (as a percent)			1.10%
Period for recognition of compensation cost (in years)			3
Class A common stock
Stock-Based Compensation
Number of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans (in shares)	4,500,000		4,500,000