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Accounts Receivable
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable  
Accounts Receivable

2. Accounts Receivable
 We had accounts receivable of $2.5 billion and $2.2 billion, net of an allowance for bad debt of $29.2 million and $23.7 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accounts receivable are written-off when it becomes apparent based upon age or customer circumstances that such amounts will not be collected.

The following table sets forth activities in our allowance for bad debt (in thousands):

 
   2013
   2012
   2011
  
   

Balance as of beginning of period

   $ 23,719   $ 24,301   $ 20,201  

Charges to provision for bad debt

     11,745     4,790     8,173  

Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable

     (6,940)     (6,025)     (4,681)  

Recoveries of bad debt

     664     653     608  
   

Balance as of end of period

   $ 29,188   $ 23,719   $ 24,301  
   

Included in accounts receivable is a retained beneficial interest related to accounts receivable sold under our receivables purchase agreements. The retained beneficial interest was not significant as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.