Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 817,564	$ 921,202	$ 963,357
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	554,272	674,445	721,033
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	114,821	96,965	87,827
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 148,471	$ 149,792	$ 154,497