Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 496,644	$ 414,130
Cash received for interest	4,760	9,478
Cash paid for income taxes	20,427	211,529
Capitalized interest	488,123	382,458
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	$ 23,134	24,984
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations		$ 7,510
2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.375%		2.375%
Initial equity component of the 2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024, net of deferred taxes of $91,485	$ 160,896
Deferred taxes	$ 91,485