Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 812,517	$ 591,727
Cash received for interest	5,247	8,385
Cash paid for income taxes	33,181	352,088
Capitalized interest	752,925	611,511
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	23,164	25,146
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	$ 889	7,850
Vendor Financing		$ 20,000
2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.375%
Initial equity component of the Convertible Notes net of deferred taxes	$ 159,869
Deferred taxes	$ 92,512
3 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2026
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.375%	3.375%
Initial equity component of the Convertible Notes net of deferred taxes		$ 487,521
Deferred taxes	$ 286,322