Property and Equipment and Intangible Assetst - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 211,671	$ 239,585	$ 416,301	$ 467,151
FCC auction deposit (Note 10)					$ 1,500,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	145,603	181,431	281,737	348,611
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	29,414	21,957	58,426	43,913
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 36,654	$ 36,197	$ 76,138	$ 74,627