Property and Equipment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 212,254	$ 223,895
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	180,651	191,753
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	15,261	15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 16,342	$ 16,881
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator | item	12
Owned Satellites | item	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease | item	9
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease | item	2