Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 3,393,307	$ 3,543,812	$ 6,776,529	$ 7,114,771
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	3,383,271	3,532,383	6,757,022	7,093,745
Canada and Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	10,036	11,429	19,507	21,026
Pay-TV video and related revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	3,352,354	3,512,900	6,699,951	7,049,362
Equipment sales and other
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue	$ 40,953	$ 30,912	$ 76,578	$ 65,409