Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 223,895	$ 224,966
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	191,753	185,723
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	15,261	23,201
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 16,881	$ 16,042
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	14
Owned Satellites	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	11
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2