Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Commitments and Contingencies - Satellite Cost Commitments (Details)

v3.8.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies - Satellite Cost Commitments (Details)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Prepayment
Mar. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]              
Payments to acquire equipment   $ 54,173 $ 20,653 $ 9,074      
Intelsat Corporation              
Other Commitments [Line Items]              
Contractual obligation         $ 40,000    
New Skies satellites B.V.              
Other Commitments [Line Items]              
Prepaid expense, noncurrent       4,000   $ 4,500  
Number of additional prepayments | Prepayment           1  
New Skies satellites B.V. | Hughes Network Systems LLC              
Other Commitments [Line Items]              
Prepaid expense, noncurrent       $ 4,000     $ 4,000
Satellite Service Provider              
Other Commitments [Line Items]              
2017   94,269          
2018   76,028          
2019   63,896          
2020   49,209          
2021   29,426          
Thereafter   134,690          
Total minimum lease payments   $ 447,518          
Forecast | Tranche 1 Satellite Transponders              
Other Commitments [Line Items]              
Payments to acquire equipment $ 13,500            
Forecast | Tranche 2 Satellite Transponders              
Other Commitments [Line Items]              
Payments to acquire equipment $ 23,000