v3.3.1.900
Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets - Regulatory Authorizations - (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets      
Cash payment $ 3,428   $ 41,748
Assumed liabilities     10,304
Amortization of regulatory authorizations 75,900 $ 92,100 $ 88,400
Cost      
Balance at the beginning of the period 724,542    
Balance at the end of the period 721,042 724,542  
Accumulated amortization      
Balance at the beginning of the period (528,880)    
Balance at the end of the period (588,389) (528,880)  
Net      
Balance at the beginning of the period 195,662    
Balance at the end of the period 132,653 195,662  
Total regulatory authorizations, net      
Balance at the beginning of the period 568,378    
Additions (4,741)    
Currency Translation Adjustment (19,825)    
Balance at the end of the period 543,812 568,378  
Solaris Mobile      
Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets      
Voting interest acquired (as a percent)     100.00%
Cash payment     $ 43,400
Cost     51,800
Assumed liabilities     10,300
Finite lives      
Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets      
Amortization of regulatory authorizations 4,700 6,100 $ 1,500
Cost      
Balance at the beginning of the period 103,499    
Currency Translation Adjustment (21,492)    
Balance at the end of the period 82,007 103,499  
Accumulated amortization      
Balance at the beginning of the period (6,778)    
Additions (4,741)    
Currency Translation Adjustment 1,667    
Balance at the end of the period (9,852) (6,778)  
Net      
Balance at the beginning of the period 96,721    
Additions (4,741)    
Currency Translation Adjustment (19,825)    
Balance at the end of the period 72,155 96,721  
Indefinite Lives      
Indefinite lives      
Balance at the beginning of the period 471,657    
Balance at the end of the period $ 471,657 $ 471,657