Property and Equipment and Intangible Assetst - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 204,630	$ 227,566
FCC auction deposit (Note 10)	1,500,000		$ 1,500,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	136,134	167,180
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	29,012	21,956
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 39,484	$ 38,430