Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 294,122	$ 313,396
Cash received for interest	2,878	3,406
Cash paid for income taxes	1,758	1,001
Capitalized interest	261,680	236,570
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	$ 142
2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.375%
Initial equity component of the Convertible Notes net of deferred taxes		$ 159,869
Deferred taxes	$ 92,512