Property and Equipment and Intangible Assetst - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 953,146	$ 1,000,048	$ 1,077,936
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	768,283	824,799	854,759
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	96,965	87,827	95,766
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 87,898	$ 87,422	$ 127,411