Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) satellite mi	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Property and equipment
Interest costs capitalized	$ 5,000	$ 4,000
Amortization expense	20,666
Satellites
Property and equipment
Amortization expense		$ 18,000
Amortization expense	$ 21,000
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator | satellite	18
Length of satellites utilized in geosynchronous orbit above the equator (in miles) | mi	22,300
Satellites, owned
Property and equipment
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator | satellite	13
Satellites, leased
Property and equipment
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease | satellite	5