Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 209,324	$ 223,998	$ 625,625	$ 691,149
FCC auction deposit (Note 10)					$ 1,500,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	144,016	162,229	425,753	510,840
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	29,414	24,241	87,840	68,154
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 35,894	$ 37,528	$ 112,032	$ 112,155