Iridium Communications (IRDM) 10-K25 Feb 202019 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Cover

Cover - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Cover - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.001 par value
Entity Address, Address Line One	1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1400
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	IRDM
Entity Registrant Name	Iridium Communications Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001418819
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	131,731,125
Entity Public Float		$ 2,600.8
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-33963
Entity Address, City or Town	McLean
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	22102
City Area Code	703
Local Phone Number	287-7400
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year end of December 31, 2019 , are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
Entity Tax Identification Number	26-1344998
NASDAQ/NGS (GLOBAL SELECT MARKET)
Document Information [Line Items]
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 223,561	$ 273,352
Accounts receivable, net	68,697	71,210
Inventory	39,938	27,538
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,739	18,284
Total current assets	342,935	390,384
Property and equipment, net	3,180,799	3,370,855
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	191,935
Other assets	52,846	12,557
Intangible assets, net	46,977	48,540
Total assets	3,623,557	4,014,271
Current liabilities:
Short-term secured debt	10,875	126,000
Accounts payable	6,713	12,869
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	49,293	56,990
Interest payable	7,790	29,431
Deferred revenue	39,080	37,429
Total current liabilities	113,751	262,719
Long-term secured debt, net	1,412,501	1,478,739
Long-term senior unsecured notes, net	352,994	350,998
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	188,653	241,422
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	67,092	74,656
Other long-term liabilities	29,284	4,160
Total liabilities	2,164,275	2,412,694
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 300,000 shares authorized, 131,632 and 112,200 shares issued and outstanding	132	112
Additional paid-in capital	1,134,048	1,108,550
Retained earnings	331,969	501,712
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(6,867)	(8,797)
Total stockholders' equity	1,459,282	1,601,577
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,623,557	4,014,271
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	131,632,000	112,200,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	131,632,000	112,200,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	500,000	500,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	497,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue:
Services	$ 447,158	$ 406,757	$ 349,735
Subscriber equipment	82,856	97,848	77,119
Engineering and support services	30,430	18,403	21,192
Total revenue	560,444	523,008	448,046
Operating expenses:
Cost of Services, Net	94,958	86,016	80,396
Cost of subscriber equipment	50,186	56,857	44,445
Research and development	14,310	22,429	15,247
Selling, general and administrative	93,165	97,846	84,405
Depreciation and amortization	297,705	218,207	122,266
Total operating expenses	550,324	481,355	346,759
Gain on Boeing transaction	0	0	14,189
Operating income	10,120	41,653	115,476
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	(115,396)	(55,149)	4,328
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(111,710)	(7,292)	0
Other income (expense), net	(1,133)	139	(232)
Total other income (expense)	(228,239)	(62,302)	4,096
Income tax benefit	(56,120)	(7,265)	(114,284)
Total income (loss) before income taxes	(218,119)	(20,649)	119,572
Net income (loss)	(161,999)	(13,384)	233,856
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic net income per share)	$ (166,193)	$ (23,533)	$ 218,420
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	125,167	108,975	97,934
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	125,167	108,975	128,130
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - basic	$ (1.33)	$ (0.22)	$ 2.23
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - diluted	$ (1.33)	$ (0.22)	$ 1.82
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$ (161,999)	$ (13,384)	$ 233,856
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	2,051	(5,017)	1,664
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax (see Note 8)	(121)	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	0	16	(14)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(160,069)	(18,385)	235,506
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends, Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid	0	1,750	1,750
Preferred stock dividends, undeclared	0	0	5,250
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends, Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid	4,194	2,109	2,109
Preferred stock dividends, undeclared	$ 0	$ 6,290	$ 6,327

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Convertible Preferred Stock	Series A Convertible Preferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Convertible Preferred Stock	Series B Convertible Preferred StockSeries B Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsSeries A Preferred Stock [Member]	Retained EarningsSeries B Preferred Stock [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,343,758							$ 96	$ 1,060,311	$ (5,446)	$ 288,797
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016				1,000		500		95,879
Stock-based compensation	18,694								18,694
Stock options exercised and awards vested	4,235							$ 2	4,233
Stock options exercised and awards vested (in shares)								2,537
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	(1,865)								(1,865)
Net income (loss)	233,856										233,856
Dividends on preferred stock		$ (1,750)	$ (2,109)									$ (1,750)	$ (2,109)
Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax	1,664									1,664
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax (see Note 8)	0
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax	(14)									(14)
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes (in shares)								213
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,596,469							$ 98	1,081,373	(3,796)	518,794
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017				1,000		500		98,203
Stock-based compensation	16,727								16,727
Stock options exercised and awards vested	12,445							$ 4	12,441
Stock options exercised and awards vested (in shares)								3,443
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	(1,981)							$ (1)	(1,980)
Net income (loss)	(13,384)										(13,384)
Dividends on preferred stock		$ (7,000)	(8,427)									$ (7,000)	(8,427)
Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax	(5,017)									(5,017)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax (see Note 8)	0
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax	16									16
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes (in shares)								(148)
Preferred stock converted to common					(1,000)		(3)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities								10,702
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities								$ 11	(11)
Changes from adoption of ASC 606, net of tax	11,729										11,729
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,601,577							$ 112	1,108,550	(8,797)	501,712
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018				0		497		112,200
Stock-based compensation	16,641								16,641
Stock options exercised and awards vested	13,471							$ 3	13,468
Stock options exercised and awards vested (in shares)								3,003
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	(4,594)							$ 0	(4,594)
Net income (loss)	(161,999)										(161,999)
Dividends on preferred stock			$ (7,744)										$ (7,744)
Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax	2,051									2,051
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax (see Note 8)	(121)									(121)
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax	0
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes (in shares)								(199)
Preferred stock converted to common							(497)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities								16,628
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities								$ 17	(17)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 1,459,282							$ 132	$ 1,134,048	$ (6,867)	$ 331,969
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				0		0		131,632

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (161,999)	$ (13,384)	$ 233,856
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	(53,897)	(8,334)	(115,812)
Depreciation and amortization	297,705	218,207	122,266
Loss on extinguishment of debt	111,710	7,292	0
Stock-based compensation (net of amounts capitalized)	15,138	14,490	15,958
Gain from contract liability write-off	0	0	(14,189)
Provision for obsolete inventory	800	300	400
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs	18,904	10,145	0
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement	952	174	45
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	2,509	(12,783)	(10,343)
Inventory	(12,951)	(7,579)	(1,946)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,973	5,705	2,875
Other assets	3,097	(1,417)	2,823
Accounts payable	(4,300)	(732)	896
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(4,174)	17,560	8,166
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net	(12,919)	20,237	0
Deferred revenue	(6,435)	13,530	15,129
Other long-term liabilities	(3,170)	598	(103)
Net cash provided by operating activities	198,143	263,709	259,621
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(117,819)	(391,390)	(400,107)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	(10,000)	0	0
Purchases of marketable securities	0	(235,528)	(7,013)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0	248,006	34,440
Net cash used in investing activities	(127,819)	(378,912)	(372,680)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under the Credit Facility	0	0	22,207
Repayments on the Credit Facility, including extinguishments	(1,734,965)	(80,359)	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	1,450,000	0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt	0	360,000	0
Repayment of the Thales Alenia Space bills of exchange	0	(59,936)	0
Payment of deferred financing fees	(28,803)	(21,239)	(3,852)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	13,471	12,445	4,235
Tax payment upon settlement of stock awards	(4,596)	(1,981)	(1,865)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(313,280)	193,503	16,866
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,230	(1,270)	144
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(241,726)	77,030	(96,049)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	465,287	388,257	484,306
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	223,561	465,287	388,257
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest Paid, Net of Amounts Capitalized	119,464	35,690	0
Income taxes paid (refund received), net	(606)	931	1,660
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Property and equipment received but not paid for yet	3,975	11,900	90,748
Interest capitalized but not paid	0	9,194	15,021
Capitalized amortization of deferred financing fees	2,416	16,306	27,304
Capitalized stock-based compensation	1,503	2,237	2,736
Credit facility repayment in exchange for settlement of hosting	0	35,000	0
Cost basis investment in exchange for the settlement of accounts receivable	0	3,300	0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of preferred stock dividends	0	(7,000)	(1,750)
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of preferred stock dividends	$ (8,387)	$ (8,427)	$ (2,109)

Organization and Business

Organization and Business	12 Months Ended
Organization and Business	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Business	Organization and Business Iridium Communications Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, offers voice and data communications services and products to businesses, U.S. and international government agencies and other customers on a global basis. The Company is a provider of mobile voice and data communications services via a constellation of low earth orbiting satellites. The Company holds various licenses and authorizations from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) and from foreign regulatory bodies that permit the Company to conduct its business, including the operation of its satellite constellation.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The Company has prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) the Company, (ii) its wholly owned subsidiaries, and (iii) all less than wholly owned subsidiaries that the Company controls. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”) using the required modified retrospective approach. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to previous accounting. See discussion below under the caption “Leases” in this Note 2 and in Note 6 for more detail on the Company's accounting policy with respect to lease accounting. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”), which aligns accounting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees to that of employees under the existing guidance of Topic 718, with certain exceptions. This update supersedes previous guidance for equity-based payments to nonemployees under Subtopic 505-50, Equity - Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). This guidance amends the existing accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. The amendment improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better represent the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and made certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current U.S. GAAP. The amendments in this update also ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2017-12. As the Company did not have any hedging activities prior to adoption, adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The change in fair value of the Company’s new cash flow hedges, entered into in November 2019 (see Note 8 ), will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item impacts earnings. Recent Accounting Developments Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This guidance is intended to introduce a revised approach to the recognition and measurement of credit losses, emphasizing an updated model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The Company intends to apply the new guidance on the effective date of January 1, 2020. Adoption of ASU 2016-13 will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). This guidance amends certain aspects of the accounting for income taxes. The Company intends to apply the new guidance effective January 1, 2021, as required. The Company is currently evaluating the effect ASU 2019-12 may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Fair Value Measurements The Company evaluates assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring and non-recurring basis to determine the appropriate level to classify them for each reporting period. This determination requires significant judgments to be made by management of the Company. Fair value is the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability assuming an orderly transaction in the most advantageous market at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of observability of inputs used in measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following tiers: • Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and • Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The fair value estimates are based upon certain market assumptions and information available to the Company. The carrying value of the following financial instruments approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2019 and 2018: cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Fair values approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature. The Level 2 cash equivalents include money market funds, commercial paper and short-term U.S. agency securities. The Company also classifies its derivative financial instruments as Level 2. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and receivables. The majority of cash is invested into a money market fund with U.S. treasuries, Agency Mortgage Backed Securities and/or U.S. government guaranteed debt. While the Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions with high credit ratings, it often maintains those deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and records reserves to provide for estimated credit losses. Accounts receivable are due from both domestic and international customers. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. These investments, along with cash deposited in institutional money market funds, regular interest bearing depository accounts and non-interest bearing depository accounts, are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are subject to late fee penalties. Management develops its estimate of an allowance for uncollectible receivables based on the Company’s experience with specific customers, aging of outstanding invoices, its understanding of customers’ current economic circumstances and its own judgment as to the likelihood that the Company will ultimately receive payment. The Company writes off its accounts receivable when balances ultimately are deemed uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was not material as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 . Foreign Currencies Generally, the functional currency of the Company’s foreign consolidated subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars based on exchange rates at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the weighted-average exchange rates prevailing during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains or losses are classified as other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). In instances where the financial statements of a foreign entity in a highly inflationary economy are material, they are remeasured as if the functional currency were the reporting currency. In these instances, the financial statements of those entities are remeasured into the reporting currency. A highly inflationary economy is one that has cumulative inflation of approximately 100% or more over a three-year period. Deferred Financing Costs Direct and incremental costs incurred in connection with securing debt financing are deferred and are amortized as additional interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related debt. Capitalized Interest Interest costs associated with financing the Company’s assets during the construction period of the upgraded satellite constellation have been capitalized. Inventory Inventory consists primarily of finished goods, although the Company at times also maintains an inventory of raw materials from third-party manufacturers. The Company outsources manufacturing of subscriber equipment to a third-party manufacturer and purchases accessories from third-party suppliers. The Company’s cost of inventory includes an allocation of overhead, including payroll and payroll-related costs of employees directly involved in bringing inventory to its existing condition, and freight. Inventories are valued using the average cost method and are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Accordingly, the Company recorded expense of $0.8 million , $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, which are included within the cost of subscriber equipment for excess and obsolete inventory. The expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were primarily related to certain handset parts and accessories. The Company has a manufacturing agreement with Benchmark Electronics Inc. (“Benchmark”) to manufacture most of its subscriber equipment. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company may be required to purchase excess materials at cost plus a contractual markup if the materials are not used in production within the periods specified in the agreement. Benchmark will then repurchase such materials from the Company at the same price paid by the Company, as required for the production of the subscriber equipment. Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based compensation at fair value. The fair value of stock options is determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is equal to the closing price of the underlying common stock on the grant date. The fair value of an award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service or performance period and is classified in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income in a manner consistent with the classification of the recipient’s compensation. The expected vesting of the Company’s performance-based RSUs is based upon the probability that the Company achieves the defined performance goals. The level of achievement of performance goals, if any, is determined by the Compensation Committee. Stock-based awards to non-employee consultants are expensed at their grant-date fair value as services are provided according to the terms of their agreements and are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Classification of stock-based compensation by line item on the balance sheet and statement of operations is presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Property and equipment, net $ 1,187 $ 1,865 Inventory 237 234 Prepaid and other current assets 79 138 Cost of subscriber equipment 23 26 Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 4,326 3,600 Research and development 243 340 Selling, general and administrative 10,546 10,524 Total stock-based compensation $ 16,641 $ 16,727 Property and Equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Satellites 12.5 years Ground system 5-7 years Equipment 3-5 years Internally developed software and purchased software 3-7 years Building 39 years Building improvements 5-39 years Leasehold improvements shorter of useful life or remaining lease term The Company calculates depreciation expense using the straight-line method and evaluates the appropriateness of the useful life used in this calculation on a quarterly basis or as events occur that require additional assessment. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Leases Upon transition under ASU 2016-02, the Company elected the suite of practical expedients as a package applied to all of its leases, including (i) not reassessing whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) not reassessing the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (iii) not reassessing initial direct costs for any existing leases. For new leases, the Company will determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Leases are included as right-of-use (“ROU”) assets within other assets and ROU liabilities within accrued expenses and other liabilities and within other long-term liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Certain leases contain variable contractual obligations as a result of future base rate escalations which are estimated based on observed trends and included within the measurement of present value. The Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For certain leases, such as teleport network (“TPN”) facilities, the Company elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Taxes assessed on leases in which the Company is either a lessor or lessee are excluded from contract consideration and variable payments when measuring new lease contracts or remeasuring existing lease contracts. Adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 had an impact of approximately $27.1 million and $30.1 million on the Company's opening assets and liabilities, respectively. Long-Lived Assets The Company assesses its long-lived assets for impairment when indicators of impairment exist. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amounts of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Any impairment loss would be measured as the excess of the assets’ carrying amount over their fair value. In June 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with International Space Company Kosmotras (“Kosmotras”), as a supplemental launch services provider for the upgraded satellite constellation. The original cost under the Kosmotras agreement was $51.8 million . Kosmotras to date has been unable to obtain the permits or authorizations to launch the Company's satellites on a Dnepr rocket as planned, and Kosmotras has proposed no satisfactory alternative launch plan. As the Company believed the construction-in-progress associated with the Kosmotras launch services will no longer be used or further developed, the Company wrote-off the full amount previously paid to Kosmotras, by recording accelerated depreciation expense of $36.8 million , in the fourth quarter of 2017. There were no similar write-offs during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Intangible Assets The Company’s intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If any indicators were present, the Company would test for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset. If those net undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount (i.e., the asset is not recoverable), the Company would perform the next step, which is to determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment loss, if any. The Company evaluates the useful lives for these intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision in their remaining useful lives. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Intellectual property 20 years Assembled workforce 7 years Patents 14 - 20 years Revenue Recognition The Company derives its revenue primarily as a wholesaler of satellite communications products and services. The primary types of revenue include (i) service revenue (access and usage-based airtime fees), (ii) subscriber equipment revenue, and (iii) revenue generated by providing engineering and support services to commercial and government customers. In addition to the discussion immediately below, see Note 12 for further discussion of the Company's revenue recognition. Wholesaler of satellite communications products and services Pursuant to wholesale agreements, the Company sells its products and services to service providers who, in turn, sell the products and services to other distributors or directly to the end users. The Company recognizes revenue when an arrangement exists, services or equipment are transferred, the transaction price is determined, the arrangement has commercial substance, and collection of consideration is probable. Contracts with multiple performance obligations At times, the Company sells services and equipment through arrangements that bundle equipment, airtime and other services. For these revenue arrangements when the Company sells services and equipment in bundled arrangements and determines that it has separate distinct performance obligations, the Company allocates the bundled contract price among the various performance obligations based on each deliverable’s stand-alone selling price. If the stand-alone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the amount to be allocated for each performance obligation based on observable market transactions or the residual approach. When the Company determines the performance obligations are not distinct, the Company recognizes revenue on a combined basis as the last obligation is satisfied. To the extent the Company's contracts include variable consideration, the transaction price includes both fixed and variable consideration. The variable consideration contained within the Company's contracts with customers may include discounts, credits and other similar items. When a contract includes variable consideration, the Company evaluates the estimate of the variable consideration to determine whether the estimate needs to be constrained; therefore, the Company includes the variable consideration in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable consideration estimates are updated at the end of each quarter. Service revenue sold on a stand-alone basis Service revenue is generated from the Company’s service providers through usage of its satellite system and through fixed monthly access fees per user charged to service providers. Revenue for usage is recognized when usage occurs. Revenue for fixed-per-user access fees is recognized over the usage period in which the services are provided to the end user. The Company sells prepaid services in the form of e-vouchers and prepaid cards. A liability is established equal to the cash paid upon purchase for the e-voucher or prepaid card. On January 1, 2018, upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company now recognizes revenue from (i) the prepaid services upon the use of the e-voucher or prepaid card by the customer and (ii) the estimated pattern of use. Prior to January 1, 2018, revenue from unused prepaid services was recognized upon expiration of the prepaid card. The Company does not offer refunds for unused prepaid services. Services sold to the U.S. government The Company provides airtime and airtime support to U.S. government and other authorized customers pursuant to the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (“EMSS”) contract managed by Air Force Space Command. Under the terms of this agreement, authorized customers continue to utilize airtime services, provided through the U.S. government’s dedicated gateway. These services include unlimited global standard and secure voice, low and high-speed data, paging, broadcast and Distributed Tactical Communications Services (“DTCS”) services for an unlimited number of Department of Defense (“DoD”) and other federal subscribers. Under this contract, revenue is based on the annual fee for the fixed-price contract with unlimited subscribers, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over each contractual year. The U.S. government purchases its subscriber equipment from third-party distributors and not directly from the Company. Subscriber equipment sold on a stand-alone basis The Company recognizes subscriber equipment sales and the related costs when title to the equipment (and the risks and rewards of ownership) passes to the customer, typically upon shipment. Customers do not have rights of return without prior consent from the Company. Government engineering and support services The Company provides maintenance services to the U.S. government’s dedicated gateway. This revenue is recognized ratably over the periods in which the services are provided; the related costs are expensed as incurred. Other government and commercial engineering and support services The Company also provides engineering services to assist customers in developing new technologies for use on the Company’s satellite system. The revenue associated with fixed-fee contracts is recognized over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying its performance obligation. The Company does not include purchases of goods from a third party in its evaluation of costs incurred. Incurred costs represent work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Revenue on cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts is recognized to the extent of estimated costs incurred plus the applicable fees earned. The Company considers fixed fees under cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract. Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to expense in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising Costs Costs associated with advertising and promotions are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses were $0.9 million , $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of tax benefits or expenses for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. The Company also recognizes a tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposures to fluctuating interest rate risk on variable rate debt. Derivatives are measured at fair value and are recorded on the balance sheet within other assets and other long-term liabilities. The Company’s derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges, with the effective portion of the changes in fair value of the derivatives recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged items impact earnings. Any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges would be recorded in current earnings. Within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income, the gains and losses related to cash flow hedges are recognized within interest income (expense), net, as this is the same financial statement line item used for any gains or losses associated with the hedged items. Cash flows from hedging activities are included operating activities within the company’s consolidated statements of cash flows, which is the same category as the items being hedged. See Note 8 for further information. Net Income (Loss) Per Share The Company calculates basic net income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share takes into account the effect of potential dilutive common shares when the effect is dilutive. The effect of potentially dilutive common shares, including common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, is computed using the treasury stock method. The effect of potentially dilutive common shares from the conversion of the outstanding convertible preferred securities was computed using the as-if converted method at the stated conversion rate. The Company’s unvested RSUs awarded to the board of directors contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered to be participating securities in periods of net income. The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share excludes net income attributable to these unvested RSUs from the numerator and excludes the impact of these unvested RSUs from the denominator.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and M

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents: December 31, Recurring Fair Value Measurement 2019 2018 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 13,943 $ 20,879 Money market funds 209,618 252,473 Level 2 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 223,561 $ 273,352 Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company was required to maintain a minimum cash reserve within a debt service reserve account (“DSRA”) for debt service related to its $1.8 billion loan facility with Bpifrance Assurance Export S.A.A. (“ BPIAE Facility ”) (see Note 7 ) which was extinguished in November 2019. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s restricted cash and cash equivalents balances, which included the minimum cash reserve for debt service and the interest earned on those amounts, was zero and $191.9 million , respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Satellite system $ 3,197,460 $ 2,766,627 Ground system 66,789 60,656 Equipment 45,406 42,152 Internally developed software and purchased software 241,793 215,252 Building and leasehold improvements 31,050 30,517 Total depreciable property and equipment 3,582,498 3,115,204 Less: accumulated depreciation (682,130 ) (453,463 ) Total depreciable property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 2,900,368 2,661,741 Land 8,037 8,037 Ground spares 225,254 — Construction-in-process: Upgraded satellite systems under construction — 658,395 Other construction-in-process 47,140 42,682 Total property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 3,180,799 $ 3,370,855 Other construction-in-process consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Internally developed software $ 38,064 $ 27,725 Equipment 8,983 12,841 Ground system 93 2,116 Total other construction-in-process $ 47,140 $ 42,682 Depreciation expense was $296.1 million , $216.6 million and $120.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The increase in depreciation from 2018 to 2019 is primarily due to the increased number of upgraded satellites in service during the current period as the Company completed the replacement of its first-generation satellites in the first quarter of 2019.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets The Company had identifiable intangible assets as follows: December 31, 2019 Useful Life (years) Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (In thousands) Indefinite life intangible assets: Trade names Indefinite $ 21,195 $ — $ 21,195 Spectrum and licenses Indefinite 14,030 — 14,030 Total 35,225 — 35,225 Definite life intangible assets: Intellectual property 20 years 16,439 (8,217 ) 8,222 Assembled workforce 7 years 5,678 (2,433 ) 3,245 Patents 14 - 20 324 (39 ) 285 Total 22,441 (10,689 ) 11,752 Total intangible assets $ 57,666 $ (10,689 ) $ 46,977 December 31, 2018 Useful Life (years) Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (In thousands) Indefinite life intangible assets: Trade names Indefinite $ 21,195 $ — $ 21,195 Spectrum and licenses Indefinite 14,030 — 14,030 Total 35,225 — 35,225 Definite life intangible assets: Intellectual property 20 years 16,439 (7,434 ) 9,005 Assembled workforce 7 years 5,678 (1,622 ) 4,056 Patents 14 - 20 274 (20 ) 254 Total 22,391 (9,076 ) 13,315 Total intangible assets $ 57,616 $ (9,076 ) $ 48,540 Amortization expense was $1.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 . See Note 9 for further details on the Boeing assembled workforce, added in 2017. Future amortization expense with respect to intangible assets existing at December 31, 2019 , by year and in the aggregate, was as follows: Year ending December 31, Amount (In thousands) 2020 $ 1,616 2021 1,616 2022 1,616 2023 1,616 2024 805 Thereafter 4,483 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 11,752

Leases (Notes)

Leases (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Leases (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Text Block]	Leases The Company has operating leases for land, office space, satellite network operations center (“SNOC”) facilities, system gateway facilities, a warehouse and a distribution center. The Company also has operations and maintenance (“O&M”) agreements that include leases associated with two TPN facilities. Some of Company's leases include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years and some include options to terminate the lease within 1 year . The Company does not include term extension options as part of its present value calculation of lease liabilities unless those options have a high likelihood of being exercised. The Company’s weighted-average remaining lease term relating to its operating leases is 7.5 years. The weighted-average discount rate used to calculate the operating lease liability payment is 6.7% . The table below summarizes the Company’s lease-related assets and liabilities: Leases Classification 12/31/2019 (in thousands) Operating lease assets Noncurrent Other assets $ 27,007 Total lease assets $ 27,007 Operating lease liabilities Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 3,397 Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities 26,859 Total lease liabilities $ 30,256 During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred lease expense of $5.1 million , $5.1 million and $4.7 million , respectively. A portion of rent expense during these comparable periods is derived from leases that are not included within the ROU asset and liability balances shown above as they have terms shorter than twelve months and are therefore excluded from balance sheet recognition under ASU 2016-02. Future payment obligations with respect to the Company's operating leases in which it is the lessee existing at December 31, 2019, by year and in the aggregate, are as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amount (in thousands) 2020 $ 5,477 2021 5,382 2022 4,992 2023 4,983 2024 4,944 Thereafter 13,213 Total lease payments $ 38,991 Lessor Arrangements Operating leases in which the Company is a lessor consist primarily of hosting agreements with Aireon LLC (see Note 15 ) and L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (“L3Harris”) for space on the Company’s upgraded satellites. These agreements provide for a fee that will be recognized over the life of the satellites, currently expected to be approximately 12.5 years . Lease income related to these agreements was $21.6 million and $17.1 million during the years December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Lease income is recorded as hosted payload and other data service revenue within service revenue on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Both Aireon and L3Harris have made payments for their hosting agreements and will continue to do so. Future income with respect to the Company's operating leases in which it is the lessor existing at December 31, 2019, by year and in the aggregate, is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amount (in thousands) 2020 $ 21,445 2021 21,445 2022 21,445 2023 21,445 2024 21,445 Thereafter 120,352 Total lease income $ 227,577

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
Debt	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Term Loan On November 4, 2019, pursuant to a new loan agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) the Company entered into a $1,450.0 million term loan with Deutsche Bank AG (the “ Term Loan ”) and an accompanying $100.0 million revolving loan (the “Revolving Facility”). The Company used the proceeds of the Term Loan , along with its DSRA and cash on hand, to prepay all of the indebtedness outstanding under the BPIAE Facility , as well as related expenses. The Term Loan was issued at a price equal to 99.5% of its face value and bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 3.75% , with a 1.0% LIBOR floor and has a seven-year maturity. Interest is paid monthly on the last business day of the month. Principal is paid quarterly, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2020, at a rate of one percent per annum, with the remaining principal due upon maturity. The Revolving Facility bears interest at the same rate (but without a LIBOR floor) if and as drawn, with no original issue discount, a commitment fee of 0.5% per year on the undrawn amount, and a five-year maturity. As of December 31, 2019, the Company reported an aggregate of $1,450.0 million in borrowings under the Term Loan , before $26.6 million of net unamortized deferred financing costs, for a net principal balance of $1,423.4 million in borrowings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2019, based upon recent trading prices (Level 2 - market approach), the fair value of the Company's $1,450.0 million in borrowings under the Term Loan due in 2026 was $1,468.1 million . The Credit Agreement restricts the Company's ability to incur liens, engage in mergers or asset sales, pay dividends, repay subordinated indebtedness, incur indebtedness, make investments and loans, and engage in other transactions as specified in the Credit Agreement, and also contains a mechanism to sweep a portion of the Company's excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for specified exceptions, baskets measured as a percentage of trailing twelve months of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and unlimited exceptions in the case of incurring indebtedness and liens and making investments, dividend payments, and payments of subordinated indebtedness, as well as a phase-out of the excess cash flow sweep, based on achievement and maintenance of specified leverage ratios. The Credit Agreement permits repayment, prepayment, and repricing transactions, subject to a 1% penalty in the event the facility is prepaid or repriced within the first six months. The Credit Agreement contains no financial maintenance covenants with respect to the Term Loan. With respect to the Revolving Facility, the Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a consolidated first lien net leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of no greater than 6.25 to 1 if more than 35% of the Revolving Facility has been drawn. The Credit Agreement contains other customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default. The effective interest rate on outstanding principal of the Term Loan was 6.0% during the year ended December 31, 2019. BPIAE Facility In October 2010, the Company entered into its $1.8 billion BPIAE Facility with a syndicate of bank lenders, which was repaid in November 2019. Upon entering the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Company paid the gross outstanding principal balance on its BPIAE Facility in the amount of $1,547.9 million . Overall, the Company incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt in the amount of approximately $111.7 million related to all early extinguishments of the BPIAE Facility in 2019, representing premiums paid, net of a refund received for insurance premiums previously paid to BPIAE, and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. Senior Unsecured Notes On March 21, 2018, the Company issued senior unsecured notes (the “Notes”) which bear interest at 10.25% per annum and mature on April 15, 2023. Interest is payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 and principal is repaid in full upon maturity. Interest payments began on October 15, 2018. As of December 31, 2019, the Company reported an aggregate of $360.0 million in borrowings under the Notes, before $7.0 million of net unamortized deferred financing costs, for a net principal balance of $353.0 million in borrowings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2019, based upon recent trading prices (Level 2 - market approach), the fair value of the Company's $360.0 million in borrowings under the Notes due in 2022 was $385.9 million . The Notes contain covenant requirements that apply to certain permitted financing actions. The Company was in compliance with all covenant requirements under the Notes as of December 31, 2019. Total Debt Total interest incurred during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $140.1 million , $142.7 million and $114.4 million , respectively. Interest incurred includes amortization of deferred financing fees of $21.6 million , $26.5 million and $27.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $15.1 million and $76.7 million , respectively. During 2017, all interest was capitalized. Interest accrued for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $7.8 million and $29.4 million , respectively. Future minimum principal repayments with respect to the Company's debt balances existing at December 31, 2019 by year and in the aggregate, are as follows: Year ending December 31, Amount (In thousands) 2020 $ 10,875 2021 14,500 2022 374,500 2023 14,500 2024 14,500 Thereafter 1,381,125 Total debt commitments $ 1,810,000 Less: Original issuance discount 33,630 Less: Total short-term debt 10,875 Total long-term debt, net $ 1,765,495 The repayment schedule above excludes amounts that may be required to be prepaid pursuant to the excess cash flow sweep provision of the Credit Agreement, as those amounts are not determinable in advance. The repayment schedule also excludes the impact of the early repayment of the Notes and the proceeds under the additional $200.0 million in Term Loans, which closed in February 2020, as discussed further in Note 19

Derivative Instruments (Notes)

Derivative Instruments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company is exposed to interest rate fluctuations related to its variable rate debt instruments. The Company may reduce its exposure to fluctuations in the cash flows associated with changes in the variable interest rates by entering into offsetting positions through the use of interest rate swap contracts which result in recognizing a fixed interest rate for the portion of the Company’s variable rate debt to be hedged. This will reduce the negative impact of increases in the variable rates over the term of the contracts. These financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes. Historically, the Company has not incurred, and does not expect to incur in the future, any losses as a result of counterparty default. Hedge effectiveness of interest rate swap contracts is based on a long-haul hypothetical derivative methodology and includes all changes in value. The Company formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing quarterly basis, whether the designated derivative instruments are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items. When the hedging instrument is sold, expires, is terminated or is exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, or is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. Interest Rate Swaps On November 27, 2019, the Company executed a long-term interest rate swap (“Swap”) effective through November 2021 to mitigate variability in forecasted interest payments on a portion of the Company’s borrowings under its Term Loan . On the last business day of each month, the Company receives variable interest payments based on one-month LIBOR from the counterparty. The Company also entered into an interest rate swaption agreement (“Swaption”) that, if executed on November 22, 2021, would extend the Company's Swap through November 2026. The Company pays a fixed annual rate of 0.50% for the Swaption and a fixed rate of 1.565% on the Swap. Both the Swap and the Swaption derivative instruments carry a notional amount of $1,000.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The Company designated both the Swap and Swaption as qualifying hedging instruments and accounted for these derivatives as cash flow hedges. At inception, the Swap and Swaption were designated as cash flow hedges for hedge accounting. The unrealized changes in market value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Over the next 12 months, the Company expects any gains or losses for cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings to have an immaterial impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments As of December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a long-term asset of $0.8 million to recognize the fair value of the Swap, and a long-term liability of $0.9 million to recognize the fair value of the Swaption. The company did not enter into any cash flow hedges in the prior periods. The fair value of derivative assets was recorded in other long-term assets and the fair value of derivative liabilities was recorded in other long-term liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company incurred $0.3 million in net interest expense for both the Swap and the Swaption. Gains and losses resulting from fair value adjustments to the Swap and Swaption are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive loss within the Company's consolidated balance sheets and reclassified to interest expense on the dates that interest payments become due. Cash flows related to the interest rate swaps are included in cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The amount of unrealized loss, net of tax, recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments was $0.1 million

Boeing Operations and Maintenan

Boeing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreements	12 Months Ended
Boeing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreements	Dec. 31, 2019
Boeing Operations And Maintenance Agreements [Abstract]
Boeing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreements	Boeing Insourcing Agreement On January 3, 2017, the Company hired the majority of the employees and third-party contractors who were responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Company’s satellite constellation and ground infrastructure pursuant to an Insourcing Agreement with The Boeing Company (“Boeing”). The Company paid Boeing $5.5 million , of which $2.75 million was paid in each of December 2016 and December 2017. As a result, the Company and Boeing terminated their previous Operations and Maintenance Agreement (“O&M Agreement”) and Support Service Agreement for the upgraded satellite constellation and entered into a new DSA with a $6.0 million minimum annual commitment through 2021. Boeing no longer has a unilateral right to commence the de-orbit of the Company’s first-generation satellites. The acquisition of this assembled workforce was recorded as a definite-lived intangible asset in January 2017 and is being amortized over an estimated useful life of seven years. Additionally, by terminating the O&M Agreement, the Company recognized a $14.2 million gain in the first quarter of 2017, consisting of (i) the derecognition of a purchase accounting liability created when GHL Acquisition Corp. acquired Iridium Holdings LLC in 2009 related to the fair value of the contractual arrangement with Boeing as of that date, and (ii) the remainder of a credit resulting from a July 2010 Boeing contract amendment.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation In May 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Company's 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (as so amended and restated, the “Amended 2015 Plan”), primarily to increase the number of shares available under the plan. The Company registered with the SEC an additional 2,542,664 shares of common stock made available for issuance pursuant to the Amended 2015 Plan, bringing the total to 30,944,912 shares registered. Through December 31, 2019, the remaining aggregate number of shares of the Company's common stock available for future grants under the Amended 2015 plan was 13,529,137 . The Amended 2015 Plan provides for the grant of stock-based awards, including nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, stock appreciation rights and other equity securities as incentives and rewards for employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company and its affiliated entities. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Amended 2015 Plan is reduced by (i) one share for each share of common stock issued pursuant to an appreciation award, such as a stock option or stock appreciation right with an exercise or strike price of at least 100% of the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, and (ii) 1.8 shares for each share of common stock issued pursuant to any stock award that is not an appreciation award, also known as a “full value award.” The Amended 2015 Plan allows the Company to utilize a broad array of equity incentives and performance cash incentives in order to secure and retain the services of its employees, directors and consultants, and to provide long-term incentives that align the interests of its employees, directors and consultants with the interests of the Company’s stockholders. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation at fair value. Stock Option Awards The fair value of stock options is determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The stock option awards granted to employees generally (i) have a term of ten years , (ii) vest over a four -year period with 25% vesting after the first year of service and the remainder vesting ratably on a quarterly basis thereafter, (iii) are contingent upon employment on the vesting date, and (iv) have an exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying shares at the date of grant. Fair Value Determination We have used the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to determine fair value of our stock option awards on the date of grant. We will reconsider the use of the Black-Scholes-Merton model if additional information becomes available in the future that indicates another model would be more appropriate or if grants issued in future periods have characteristics that cannot be reasonably estimated under this model. The following weighted-average assumptions were used for option grants during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: • Volatility - The expected volatility of the options granted was estimated based upon historical volatility of the Company's share price of its common stock through daily observations of its trading history. • Expected life of options - The expected life of options granted to employees was determined from the simplified method. • Risk-free interest rate - The yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury strips was used to extrapolate a forward-yield curve. This “term structure” of future interest rates was then input into a numeric model to provide the equivalent risk-free rate to be used in the Black-Scholes-Merton model based on the expected term of the underlying grants. • Dividend yield - The Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model requires an expected dividend yield as an input. The Company does not anticipate paying dividends during the expected term of the grants; therefore, the dividend rate is assumed to be zero. The Company historically granted stock options to newly hired and promoted employees. During 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the Company granted approximately 139,000 , 364,000 and 209,000 stock options, respectively, with an estimated aggregate grant date fair value of $1.3 million , $2.4 million and $0.9 million , respectively. The following table summarizes weighted-average assumptions used in the Company's calculations of fair value: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 40.78% 39.53% 41.11% Expected term (years) 6.11 6.11 6.25 Expected dividends —% —% —% Risk free interest rate 2.59% 2.68% 1.92% A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock options is as follows: Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands, except years and per share data) Options outstanding at December 31, 2016 7,202 $ 7.87 Granted 209 10.50 Cancelled or expired (2 ) 7.24 Exercised (534 ) 7.93 Forfeited (19 ) 9.13 Options outstanding at December 31, 2017 6,856 $ 7.94 4.63 $ 26,459 Granted 364 15.56 Cancelled or expired (1 ) 8.59 Exercised (1,477 ) 8.42 Forfeited (39 ) 9.97 Options outstanding at December 31, 2018 5,703 $ 8.29 4.38 $ 57,956 Granted 139 21.12 Cancelled or expired (1 ) 11.80 Exercised (1,670 ) 8.11 Forfeited (18 ) 11.74 Options outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,153 $ 8.78 4.03 $ 65,887 Options exercisable at December 31, 2019 3,710 $ 7.85 3.51 $ 62,279 Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 4,143 $ 8.75 4.02 $ 65,815 The Company recognized $1.4 million , $1.5 million and $1.8 million of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was $9.18 , $6.63 and $4.51 per share, respectively. The total fair value of the shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was $1.4 million , $1.4 million and $2.0 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2019 , the total unrecognized cost related to non-vested options was approximately $2.7 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years . Restricted Stock Units The RSUs granted to newly hired and promoted employees, as well as to employees for on-going service, vest over a four-year period, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vesting ratably on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to continued employment. The RSUs granted to non-employee directors generally vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. The RSUs granted to non-employee consultants generally vest 50% on the first anniversary of the grant date and ratably on a quarterly basis through the second anniversary of the grant date. Some RSUs granted to employees for performance vest upon the completion of defined performance goals, subject to continued employment. The Company’s RSUs are generally classified as equity awards because the RSUs will be paid in the Company's common stock upon vesting. The related compensation expense is recognized over the service period and is based on the grant date fair value of the Company's common stock and the number of shares expected to vest. The fair value of the awards is not remeasured at the end of each reporting period. The awards do not carry voting rights until they are vested and released in accordance with the terms of the award. Service-Based Awards The majority of the annual compensation the Company provides to members of its board of directors is paid in the form of RSUs. In addition, certain members of the Company’s board of directors elect to receive the remainder of their annual compensation, or a portion thereof, in the form of RSUs. An aggregate amount of approximately 76,000 , 110,000 and 96,000 service-based RSUs were granted to its directors as a result of these elections during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, with an estimated grant date fair value of $1.4 million , $1.3 million and $1.0 million , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , the Company granted approximately 740,000 , 900,000 and 964,000 service-based RSUs, respectively, to its employees, with an estimated grant date fair value of $16.9 million , $10.7 million and $8.5 million , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted approximately 11,000 , 14,000 and 8,000 service-based RSUs, respectively, to non-employee consultants with an estimated grant date fair value of $0.2 million , $0.2 million and $0.1 million , respectively. Performance-Based Awards In March 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company awarded approximately 125,000 , 474,000 and 1,190,000 performance-based RSUs, respectively, to the Company’s executives and employees (the “Bonus RSUs”), with an estimated grant date fair value of $2.9 million , $5.6 million and $10.5 million , respectively. Vesting of the Bonus RSUs is and was dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals over the respective fiscal year. The Company records stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs when it is considered probable that the performance conditions will be met. Management believes it is probable that substantially all of the 2019 Bonus RSUs will vest. The level of achievement, if any, of performance goals will be determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors and, if such goals are achieved, the 2019 Bonus RSUs will vest, subject to continued employment, in March 2020. A portion of the March 2018 Bonus RSUs vested in March 2019 upon the determination of the level of achievement of the performance goals. Additionally, during 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company awarded approximately 96,000 , 134,000 and 173,000 performance-based RSUs, respectively, to the Company’s executives (the “Executive RSUs”). The estimated aggregate grant date fair values of the Executive RSUs granted in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $2.2 million , $1.6 million and $1.5 million , respectively. Vesting of the Executive RSUs is and was dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals over a two-year period. Management believes it is probable that the Executive RSUs will vest at least in part. The vesting of Executive RSUs will ultimately range from 0% to 150% of the number of shares underlying the Executive RSU grant based on the level of achievement of the performance goals. If the Company achieves the performance goals, 50% of the Executive RSUs will vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, in each case, subject to the executive's continued service as of the vesting date. During 2019 and 2018, the Company awarded additional shares underlying performance-based RSUs to the Company's executives for over-achievement of performance goal targets related to the 2017 and 2016 Executive RSUs in the amounts of 11,000 shares and 1,000 shares, respectively. During 2017, 53,000 shares of performance-based RSUs were forfeited as a result of under-achievement of performance goal targets related to the 2015 Executive RSUs. Award Summary A summary of the Company’s activity for outstanding RSUs is as follows: RSUs Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU (In thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 3,323 $ 7.40 Granted 2,431 8.89 Forfeited (203 ) 8.42 Released (2,003 ) 7.16 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 3,548 $ 8.50 Granted 1,632 11.87 Forfeited (163 ) 9.69 Released (1,940 ) 8.64 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 3,077 $ 10.13 Granted 1,058 22.50 Forfeited (102 ) 14.86 Released (1,331 ) 10.52 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2,702 $ 14.62 Vested and unreleased at December 31, 2019 (1) 727 (1) These RSUs were granted to the Company's board of directors as a part of their compensation for board and committee service and had vested but had not yet been issued and released. As of December 31, 2019 , the total unrecognized cost related to non-vested RSUs was approximately $14.7 million . This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.44 years . The Company recognized $15.2 million , $15.2 million and $17.0 million of stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
Preferred Stock	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	Equity Transactions Preferred Stock The Company is authorized to issue 2.0 million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. As described below, the Company issued 1.0 million shares of preferred stock in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 0.5 million shares of preferred stock in the second quarter of 2014. The remaining 0.5 million authorized shares of preferred stock were undesignated and unissued as of December 31, 2019 . Series A Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company issued 1.0 million shares of its 7.00% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) in a private offering. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company's daily volume-weighted average stock price remained at or above $12.26 per share for a period of 20 out of 30 trading days, thereby allowing for the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock at the election of the Company. On March 20, 2018, the Company converted all outstanding shares of its Series A Preferred Stock into shares of common stock, resulting in the issuance of 10,599,974 shares of common stock. The Company declared and paid all current and cumulative dividends to holders of record of Series A Preferred Stock as of March 8, 2018. As such, the Company paid cash dividends of $7.0 million to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock. The Company paid cash dividends of $1.8 million to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock during the year ended December 31, 2017. Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock In May 2014, the Company issued 500,000 shares of its Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $250 per share. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company's daily volume-weighted average stock price remained at or above $11.21 per share for a period of 20 out of 30 trading days, allowing for the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock at the election of the Company. On May 15, 2019, the Company converted all outstanding shares of its Series B Preferred Stock into shares of common stock, resulting in the issuance of 16,627,632 shares of common stock. To convert the stock, the Company declared and paid all current and cumulative dividends to holders of record of Series B Preferred Stock as of May 8, 2019, resulting in a dividend payment of $8.4 million .

Revenue from Contracts with Cus

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	Revenue Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09. Under the new standard, the Company performs the following steps to determine the amount of revenue to be recognized: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that it will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to reduce opening retained earnings by $15.7 million . This method required application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented for revenue agreements that were not substantially complete as of the date of adoption. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations because the majority of its contracts have expected lengths of one year or less. The Company did not retrospectively restate contracts with modifications prior to the earliest period presented, but instead reflected the aggregate effect of all modifications at transition. The Company derives its revenue primarily as a wholesaler of satellite communications products and services. Pursuant to wholesale agreements, the Company sells its products and services to service providers who, in turn, sell the products and services to other distributors or directly to the end users. The primary types of revenue include (i) service revenue (access and usage-based airtime fees), (ii) subscriber equipment revenue, and (iii) revenue generated by providing engineering and support services to commercial and government customers. See Note 2 for a description of the Company's accounting policies in connection with each of these types of arrangements. The following table summarizes the Company’s services revenue: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Commercial voice and data services $ 203,622 $ 193,176 $ 177,685 Commercial IoT data services 96,435 85,054 74,142 Hosted payload and other data services 49,969 40,527 9,908 Total commercial 350,026 318,757 261,735 Government services (1) 97,132 88,000 88,000 Total services $ 447,158 $ 406,757 $ 349,735 (1) Effective September 15, 2019, the Company entered into a multi-year, fixed price contract with the U.S. Air Force Space Command, or AFSPC, for Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services, or the EMSS Contract. Under the EMSS Contract, the Company will provide satellite airtime services, including unlimited global standard and secure voice, paging, fax, Short Burst Data, Iridium Burst, RUDICS and Distributed Tactical Communications System, or DTCS, services for an unlimited number of U.S. Department of Defense, or DoD, and other federal government subscribers. This replaces the previous EMSS contract signed in 2013. The following table summarizes the Company’s engineering and support services revenue: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Commercial $ 2,852 $ 716 $ 3,109 Government 27,578 17,687 18,083 Total $ 30,430 $ 18,403 $ 21,192 The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and deferred revenue (contract liabilities) on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company bills amounts under its agreed-upon contractual terms at periodic intervals (for services), upon shipment (for equipment), or upon achievement of contractual milestones or as work progresses (for engineering and support services). Billing may occur subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in accounts receivable (contract assets). The Company may also receive payments from customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in deferred revenue (contract liabilities). The Company recognized revenue that was previously recorded as deferred revenue in the amounts of $43.0 million and $18.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company has also recorded costs of obtaining contracts expected to be recovered in prepaid expenses and other assets (contract assets or commissions), that are not separately disclosed on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The commissions are recognized over the estimated prepaid usage period. The contract assets not separately disclosed are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Contract Assets: Commissions $ 1,116 $ 1,010 Other contract costs $ 3,231 $ 3,631 The primary impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 related to the Company’s prepaid service revenue and related amounts that expired unused. The Company now estimates the expected revenue that will expire unused on an ongoing basis and recognizes this revenue in a manner consistent with the usage period.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) U.S. income (loss) $ (218,391 ) $ (22,147 ) $ 120,281 Foreign income (loss) 272 1,498 (709 ) Total income (loss) before income taxes $ (218,119 ) $ (20,649 ) $ 119,572 The components of the Company’s income tax provision were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Current taxes: Federal tax (benefit) expense $ (3,796 ) $ 17 $ 13 State tax (benefit) expense 37 (91 ) 422 Foreign tax expense 1,481 1,163 863 Total current tax (benefit) expense (2,278 ) 1,089 1,298 Deferred taxes: Federal tax expense (benefit) (50,690 ) (9,159 ) (110,811 ) State tax expense (benefit) (1,850 ) 904 (4,851 ) Foreign tax expense (benefit) (1,302 ) (99 ) 80 Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (53,842 ) (8,354 ) (115,582 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (56,120 ) $ (7,265 ) $ (114,284 ) On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017. The Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 was effective for reporting periods that include December 22, 2017. Due to the timing of the enactment and the complexity involved in applying the provisions of the Tax Act, the Company made reasonable estimates of the effects of the Tax Act and recorded provisional amounts in its December 31, 2017 financial statements including the remeasurement of its deferred tax assets/liabilities for an estimated net tax benefit of $150.9 million . In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company completed its accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act. No material adjustments were required to the provisional amounts initially recorded. A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax expense to the Company’s effective income tax provision is below. Any amounts that do not have a meaningful impact on this reconciliation are not separately disclosed. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Expected tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory tax rate $ (45,790 ) $ (4,336 ) $ 41,850 State taxes, net of federal benefit (15,608 ) (3,361 ) 5,133 State tax valuation allowance 16,216 10,651 582 Deferred impact of state tax law changes and elections (2,414 ) (6,481 ) (10,217 ) Tax Act - deferred tax effects — — (150,903 ) Equity-based compensation (8,227 ) (3,807 ) (977 ) Limitation on executive compensation deduction 792 1,568 26 Other nondeductible items 873 298 110 Tax credits (995 ) (2,872 ) (528 ) Foreign taxes and other adjustments (967 ) 1,075 640 Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (56,120 ) $ (7,265 ) $ (114,284 ) The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets Long-term contracts $ 69,188 $ 70,518 Federal, state and foreign net operating losses, other carryforwards and tax credits 382,392 277,678 Other 24,137 20,002 Total deferred tax assets 475,717 368,198 Valuation allowance (29,554 ) (14,174 ) Net deferred tax assets 446,163 354,024 Deferred tax liabilities Fixed assets, intangibles and research and development expenditures (565,897 ) (529,037 ) Investment in joint venture (60,374 ) (57,686 ) Other (7,095 ) (8,357 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (633,366 ) (595,080 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (187,203 ) $ (241,056 ) Pursuant to ASC 740, the Company nets deferred tax assets and liabilities within the same jurisdiction. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $1.5 million that is included in other assets on the balance sheet and a net deferred tax liability of $188.7 million . The Company recognizes valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the likelihood of realization, management considers: (i) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; (ii) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; (iii) taxable income in prior carryback year(s) if carryback is permitted under applicable tax law; and (iv) tax planning strategies. The Company had deferred tax assets related to cumulative U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $280.5 million and $219.6 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The pre-2018 U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards if unutilized, will expire in various amounts from 2031 through 2037 . Pursuant to the Tax Act, the post-2017 U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards do not expire. The Company believes that the U.S. federal net operating losses will be utilized before the expiration dates and, as such, no valuation allowance has been established for these deferred tax assets. The Company had deferred tax assets related to the state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $54.5 million and $36.7 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, that expire from 2025 through 2039 . The Company does not expect to fully utilize all of its state net operating losses within the respective carryforward periods and as such reflects a partial valuation allowance of $27.7 million and $11.4 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, against these deferred tax assets on its consolidated balance sheet. The Company had deferred tax assets related to the foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $0.9 million , for each of December 31, 2019 and 2018, that begin to expire in 2023. The Company does not expect to fully utilize all of its foreign net operating losses within the carryforward periods and as such reflects a partial valuation allowance of $0.8 million for each of December 31, 2019 and 2018, against these deferred tax assets on its consolidated balance sheet. The timing and manner in which the Company will utilize the net operating loss carryforwards in any year, or in total, may be limited in the future as a result of changes in the Company’s ownership and any limitations imposed by the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company has approximately $9.5 million and $8.4 million of deferred tax assets related to research and development tax credits as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, that expire in various amounts from 2029 through 2039 . The Company has approximately $5.2 million of deferred tax assets related to foreign tax credits for each of December 31, 2019 and 2018, that expire in various amounts from 2020 through 2029 . The Company does not expect to utilize all of its foreign tax credits within the respective carryforward periods. As such, the Company has a partial valuation allowance of $1.1 million as of December 31, 2019, which is unchanged from December 31, 2018. The Company had $3.6 million of deferred tax assets related to Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) credits as of December 31, 2018. Pursuant to the Tax Act, the Company received a partial refund in 2019 and expects the remaining amount to be refunded by 2021. The remaining balance of the AMT credit was reclassed from a deferred tax asset to a receivable. The Company has provided for U.S. income taxes on all undistributed earnings of its significant foreign subsidiaries since the Company does not indefinitely reinvest these undistributed earnings. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Uncertain Income Tax Positions The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes. The Company establishes liabilities for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes may be due. These liabilities are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite its belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of changes to these liabilities. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.0 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Any changes in the next twelve months are not anticipated to have a significant impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company. All of the Company’s uncertain tax positions, if recognized, would affect its income tax expense. The Company has elected an accounting policy to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, potential interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits were not significant. The Company is subject to tax audits in all jurisdictions for which it files tax returns. Tax audits by their very nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. Currently, there are no U.S. federal, state or foreign jurisdiction tax audits pending. The Company’s corporate U.S. federal and state tax returns from 2010 to 2018 remain subject to examination by tax authorities and the Company’s foreign tax returns from 2012 to 2018 remain subject to examination by tax authorities. The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits which includes related interest and penalties: 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance at January 1, $ 1,112 $ 1,046 Change attributable to tax positions taken in a prior period 38 50 Change attributable to final assessment (176 ) — Change attributable to tax positions taken in the current period — 16 Decrease attributable to lapse of statute of limitations (21 ) — Balance at December 31, $ 953 $ 1,112

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share The computations of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are set forth below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted $ (166,193 ) $ (23,533 ) $ 218,420 Dividends on Series A preferred stock, declared and undeclared — — 7,000 Dividends on Series B preferred stock, declared and undeclared — — 8,436 Numerator for diluted net income (loss) per share $ (166,193 ) $ (23,533 ) $ 233,641 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 125,167 108,975 97,934 Dilutive effect of stock options — — 1,558 Dilutive effect of Performance RSUs — — 1,308 Dilutive effect of Series A preferred stock — — 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B preferred stock — — 16,728 Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share 125,167 108,975 128,130 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ (1.33 ) $ (0.22 ) $ 2.23 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ (1.33 ) $ (0.22 ) $ 1.82 Due to the Company’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2019, all potential common stock equivalents were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. For the year ended December 31, 2019, 0.3 million unvested performance-based RSUs were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share as certain performance criteria had not been satisfied, and options to purchase 0.2 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Due to the Company’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2018, all potential common stock equivalents were anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2018, 0.3 million unvested performance-based RSUs were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share, as certain performance criteria have not been satisfied, and options to purchase 0.1 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2018, 16.7 million as-if converted shares of the Series B Preferred Stock were not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2018, $6.3 million in cumulative unpaid dividends to holders of the Series B Preferred Stock was not declared or accrued as a result of all cash dividends being suspended in connection with the amendments to the BPIAE Facility described in Note 7 , but such amounts were deducted to arrive at net loss attributable to common stockholders. For the year ended December 31, 2017, 2.1 million unvested service-based RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic net income per share and not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive, and 0.2 million unvested performance-based RSUs were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share, as certain performance criteria have not been satisfied. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $5.3 million and $6.3 million in cumulative unpaid dividends to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, were not declared or accrued as a result of all cash dividends being suspended, but such amounts were deducted to arrive at net income attributable to common stockholders.

Related Party Transaction Discl

Related Party Transaction Disclosure Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure	Related Party Transactions Aireon LLC and Aireon Holdings LLC The Company's satellite constellation hosts the Aireon ® system, which provides a global air traffic surveillance service through a series of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (“ADS-B”) receivers. The Company formed Aireon in 2011, with subsequent investments from the air navigation service providers (“ANSPs”) of Canada, Italy, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom, to develop and market this service. Aireon has contracted to pay the Company a fee to host the ADS-B receivers on its constellation, as well as fees for power and data services in connection with the delivery of the air traffic surveillance data. Pursuant to agreements with Aireon, Aireon will pay the Company fees of $200.0 million to host the ADS-B receivers, of which $54.1 million had been paid as of December 31, 2019. Aireon also pays power fees of up to approximately $3.7 million per year (the “Hosting Agreement”), as well as data services fees of up to approximately $19.8 million per year for the delivery of the air traffic surveillance data (the “Data Services Agreement”). The Aireon ADS-B receivers were activated on an individual basis as the satellite on which the receiver is hosted began carrying traffic. Pursuant to ASU 2016-02, the Company considers the agreement with Aireon related to the hosting as an operating lease. The Company had previously determined there was not sufficient support that Aireon would be able to make the payments due under the Hosting Agreement. Beginning in the second quarter of 2018, the Company began receiving payments due under the Hosting Agreement and recognizing the related revenue. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $16.0 million and $13.9 million related to this agreement, respectively. In December 2018, in connection with Aireon's entry into a debt facility, the Company and the other Aireon investors contributed their respective interests in Aireon into a new holding company, Aireon Holdings LLC, and entered into an Amended and Restated Aireon Holdings LLC Agreement. Aireon Holdings LLC holds 100% of the membership interests in Aireon LLC, which remains the operating entity. At December 31, 2019, the Company had a fully diluted ownership stake in Aireon Holdings LLC of approximately 35.7% , subject to certain redemption provisions contained in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement. Under the Data Services Agreement, Aireon pays the Company monthly data service payments on a per satellite basis. The Company recorded data service revenue from Aireon of $12.6 million and $9.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Under two services agreements, the Company also provides administrative services and support services, including services relating to Aireon's hosted payload operations center to Aireon, which are paid monthly. Aireon receivables due to the Company under all agreements totaled $1.4 million and $1.0 million

Segments, Significant Customers

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments, significant customers, supplier and service providers and geographic information	Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information The Company operates in one business segment, providing global satellite communications services and products. The Company derived approximately 22% , 20% and 24% of the Company’s total revenue in the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively, from prime contracts or subcontracts with agencies of the U.S. government. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , no single commercial customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total revenue. Approximately 39% and 34% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, was due from prime contracts or subcontracts with agencies of the U.S. government. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , no single commercial customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its subscriber equipment primarily from a limited number of manufacturers and utilizes other sole source suppliers for certain component parts of its devices. Should events or circumstances prevent the manufacturer or the suppliers from producing the equipment or component parts, the Company’s business could be adversely affected until the Company is able to move production to other facilities of the manufacturer or secure a replacement manufacturer or an alternative supplier for such component parts. Net property and equipment by geographic area was as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) United States $ 421,253 $ 188,203 Satellites in orbit 2,744,356 2,504,734 Upgraded satellite systems under construction (United States) — 658,395 All others (1) 15,190 19,523 Total $ 3,180,799 $ 3,370,855 (1) No single country in this group represented more than 10% of property and equipment, net. Revenue by geographic area was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) United States $ 300,494 $ 276,398 $ 229,741 Canada 53,199 48,511 44,107 United Kingdom 50,401 51,344 46,245 Other countries (1) 156,350 146,755 127,953 Total $ 560,444 $ 523,008 $ 448,046 (1) No single country in this group represented more than 10% of revenue. Revenue is attributed to geographic area based on the billing address of the distributor. Service location and the billing address are often not the same. The Company’s distributors sell services directly or indirectly to end users, who may be located or use the Company’s products and services elsewhere. The Company cannot provide the geographical distribution of end users because it does not contract directly with them. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange fluctuations as foreign currency exchange rate movements create a degree of risk by affecting the U.S. dollar value of sales made and costs incurred in foreign currencies.

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plan	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan The Company sponsors a defined-contribution 401(k) retirement plan (the “Plan”) that covers all employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan on the first day of the month following the date of hire, and participants are 100% vested from the date of eligibility. The Company matches employees’ contributions equal to 100% of the salary deferral contributions up to 5% of the employees’ eligible compensation each pay period. Company-matching contributions to the Plan were $3.1 million , $3.0 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Selected Quarterly Information

Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) The following represents the Company’s unaudited quarterly results: Quarter Ended March 31, 2019 June 30, 2019 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2019 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 133,685 $ 143,100 $ 144,785 $ 138,874 Operating income (loss) $ (1,633 ) $ 3,741 $ 8,011 $ 1 Net loss $ (18,024 ) $ (18,106 ) $ (18,012 ) $ (107,857 ) Net loss per common share - basic and diluted $ (0.18 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.82 ) Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 119,148 $ 134,931 $ 136,764 $ 132,165 Operating income (loss) $ 19,439 $ 16,345 $ 6,011 $ (142 ) Net income (loss) $ 11,472 $ (4,418 ) $ (12,856 ) $ (7,582 ) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ 0.08 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 ) Net income (loss) per common share - diluted $ 0.07 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 ) The sum of the per share amounts does not equal the annual amounts due to changes in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year.

Subsequent Event (Notes)

Subsequent Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events On February 7, 2020, the Company closed on an additional $200.0 million under its Term Loan B. On February 13, 2020, the Company used these proceeds, together with cash on hand, to prepay all of the indebtedness outstanding under the Notes, including premiums for early prepayment. The additional amount is fungible with the original $1,450.0 million , having the same maturity date, interest rate and other terms, but were issued at a 1.0% premium to face value. To prepay the Notes, the Company paid a call price equal to the present value of (i) 105.125% of the $360.0 million principal amount of the Notes plus (ii) all interest due through the first call date in April 2020, representing a total call premium of $23.5 million

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The Company has prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) the Company, (ii) its wholly owned subsidiaries, and (iii) all less than wholly owned subsidiaries that the Company controls. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”) using the required modified retrospective approach. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to previous accounting. See discussion below under the caption “Leases” in this Note 2 and in Note 6 for more detail on the Company's accounting policy with respect to lease accounting. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”), which aligns accounting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees to that of employees under the existing guidance of Topic 718, with certain exceptions. This update supersedes previous guidance for equity-based payments to nonemployees under Subtopic 505-50, Equity - Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). This guidance amends the existing accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. The amendment improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better represent the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and made certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current U.S. GAAP. The amendments in this update also ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2017-12. As the Company did not have any hedging activities prior to adoption, adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The change in fair value of the Company’s new cash flow hedges, entered into in November 2019 (see Note 8 ), will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item impacts earnings.
Recent Accounting Developments Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Developments Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This guidance is intended to introduce a revised approach to the recognition and measurement of credit losses, emphasizing an updated model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The Company intends to apply the new guidance on the effective date of January 1, 2020. Adoption of ASU 2016-13 will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). This guidance amends certain aspects of the accounting for income taxes. The Company intends to apply the new guidance effective January 1, 2021, as required. The Company is currently evaluating the effect ASU 2019-12 may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The Company evaluates assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring and non-recurring basis to determine the appropriate level to classify them for each reporting period. This determination requires significant judgments to be made by management of the Company. Fair value is the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability assuming an orderly transaction in the most advantageous market at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of observability of inputs used in measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following tiers: • Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and • Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The fair value estimates are based upon certain market assumptions and information available to the Company. The carrying value of the following financial instruments approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2019 and 2018: cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Fair values approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature. The Level 2 cash equivalents include money market funds, commercial paper and short-term U.S. agency securities. The Company also classifies its derivative financial instruments as Level 2.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and receivables. The majority of cash is invested into a money market fund with U.S. treasuries, Agency Mortgage Backed Securities and/or U.S. government guaranteed debt. While the Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions with high credit ratings, it often maintains those deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and records reserves to provide for estimated credit losses. Accounts receivable are due from both domestic and international customers.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. These investments, along with cash deposited in institutional money market funds, regular interest bearing depository accounts and non-interest bearing depository accounts, are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
Foreign Currencies	Foreign Currencies Generally, the functional currency of the Company’s foreign consolidated subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars based on exchange rates at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the weighted-average exchange rates prevailing during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains or losses are classified as other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). In instances where the financial statements of a foreign entity in a highly inflationary economy are material, they are remeasured as if the functional currency were the reporting currency. In these instances, the financial statements of those entities are remeasured into the reporting currency. A highly inflationary economy is one that has cumulative inflation of approximately 100%
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs Direct and incremental costs incurred in connection with securing debt financing are deferred and are amortized as additional interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related debt.
Capitalized Interest	Capitalized Interest
Inventory	Inventory The Company has a manufacturing agreement with Benchmark Electronics Inc. (“Benchmark”) to manufacture most of its subscriber equipment. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company may be required to purchase excess materials at cost plus a contractual markup if the materials are not used in production within the periods specified in the agreement. Benchmark will then repurchase such materials from the Company at the same price paid by the Company, as required for the production of the subscriber equipment.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
Property and Equipment	The Company calculates depreciation expense using the straight-line method and evaluates the appropriateness of the useful life used in this calculation on a quarterly basis or as events occur that require additional assessment. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Property and Equipment
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases Upon transition under ASU 2016-02, the Company elected the suite of practical expedients as a package applied to all of its leases, including (i) not reassessing whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) not reassessing the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (iii) not reassessing initial direct costs for any existing leases. For new leases, the Company will determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Leases are included as right-of-use (“ROU”) assets within other assets and ROU liabilities within accrued expenses and other liabilities and within other long-term liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Certain leases contain variable contractual obligations as a result of future base rate escalations which are estimated based on observed trends and included within the measurement of present value. The Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For certain leases, such as teleport network (“TPN”) facilities, the Company elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Taxes assessed on leases in which the Company is either a lessor or lessee are excluded from contract consideration and variable payments when measuring new lease contracts or remeasuring existing lease contracts. Adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 had an impact of approximately $27.1 million and $30.1 million on the Company's opening assets and liabilities, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets The Company assesses its long-lived assets for impairment when indicators of impairment exist. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amounts of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Any impairment loss would be measured as the excess of the assets’ carrying amount over their fair value. In June 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with International Space Company Kosmotras (“Kosmotras”), as a supplemental launch services provider for the upgraded satellite constellation. The original cost under the Kosmotras agreement was $51.8 million . Kosmotras to date has been unable to obtain the permits or authorizations to launch the Company's satellites on a Dnepr rocket as planned, and Kosmotras has proposed no satisfactory alternative launch plan. As the Company believed the construction-in-progress associated with the Kosmotras launch services will no longer be used or further developed, the Company wrote-off the full amount previously paid to Kosmotras, by recording accelerated depreciation expense of $36.8 million , in the fourth quarter of 2017. There were no similar write-offs during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets The Company’s intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If any indicators were present, the Company would test for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset. If those net undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount (i.e., the asset is not recoverable), the Company would perform the next step, which is to determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment loss, if any. The Company evaluates the useful lives for these intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision in their remaining useful lives.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company derives its revenue primarily as a wholesaler of satellite communications products and services. The primary types of revenue include (i) service revenue (access and usage-based airtime fees), (ii) subscriber equipment revenue, and (iii) revenue generated by providing engineering and support services to commercial and government customers. In addition to the discussion immediately below, see Note 12 for further discussion of the Company's revenue recognition. Wholesaler of satellite communications products and services Pursuant to wholesale agreements, the Company sells its products and services to service providers who, in turn, sell the products and services to other distributors or directly to the end users. The Company recognizes revenue when an arrangement exists, services or equipment are transferred, the transaction price is determined, the arrangement has commercial substance, and collection of consideration is probable. Contracts with multiple performance obligations At times, the Company sells services and equipment through arrangements that bundle equipment, airtime and other services. For these revenue arrangements when the Company sells services and equipment in bundled arrangements and determines that it has separate distinct performance obligations, the Company allocates the bundled contract price among the various performance obligations based on each deliverable’s stand-alone selling price. If the stand-alone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the amount to be allocated for each performance obligation based on observable market transactions or the residual approach. When the Company determines the performance obligations are not distinct, the Company recognizes revenue on a combined basis as the last obligation is satisfied. To the extent the Company's contracts include variable consideration, the transaction price includes both fixed and variable consideration. The variable consideration contained within the Company's contracts with customers may include discounts, credits and other similar items. When a contract includes variable consideration, the Company evaluates the estimate of the variable consideration to determine whether the estimate needs to be constrained; therefore, the Company includes the variable consideration in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable consideration estimates are updated at the end of each quarter. Service revenue sold on a stand-alone basis Service revenue is generated from the Company’s service providers through usage of its satellite system and through fixed monthly access fees per user charged to service providers. Revenue for usage is recognized when usage occurs. Revenue for fixed-per-user access fees is recognized over the usage period in which the services are provided to the end user. The Company sells prepaid services in the form of e-vouchers and prepaid cards. A liability is established equal to the cash paid upon purchase for the e-voucher or prepaid card. On January 1, 2018, upon the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company now recognizes revenue from (i) the prepaid services upon the use of the e-voucher or prepaid card by the customer and (ii) the estimated pattern of use. Prior to January 1, 2018, revenue from unused prepaid services was recognized upon expiration of the prepaid card. The Company does not offer refunds for unused prepaid services. Services sold to the U.S. government The Company provides airtime and airtime support to U.S. government and other authorized customers pursuant to the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (“EMSS”) contract managed by Air Force Space Command. Under the terms of this agreement, authorized customers continue to utilize airtime services, provided through the U.S. government’s dedicated gateway. These services include unlimited global standard and secure voice, low and high-speed data, paging, broadcast and Distributed Tactical Communications Services (“DTCS”) services for an unlimited number of Department of Defense (“DoD”) and other federal subscribers. Under this contract, revenue is based on the annual fee for the fixed-price contract with unlimited subscribers, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over each contractual year. The U.S. government purchases its subscriber equipment from third-party distributors and not directly from the Company. Subscriber equipment sold on a stand-alone basis The Company recognizes subscriber equipment sales and the related costs when title to the equipment (and the risks and rewards of ownership) passes to the customer, typically upon shipment. Customers do not have rights of return without prior consent from the Company. Government engineering and support services The Company provides maintenance services to the U.S. government’s dedicated gateway. This revenue is recognized ratably over the periods in which the services are provided; the related costs are expensed as incurred. Other government and commercial engineering and support services The Company also provides engineering services to assist customers in developing new technologies for use on the Company’s satellite system. The revenue associated with fixed-fee contracts is recognized over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying its performance obligation. The Company does not include purchases of goods from a third party in its evaluation of costs incurred. Incurred costs represent work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Revenue on cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts is recognized to the extent of estimated costs incurred plus the applicable fees earned. The Company considers fixed fees under cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to expense in the period in which they are incurred.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of tax benefits or expenses for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. The Company also recognizes a tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposures to fluctuating interest rate risk on variable rate debt. Derivatives are measured at fair value and are recorded on the balance sheet within other assets and other long-term liabilities. The Company’s derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges, with the effective portion of the changes in fair value of the derivatives recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged items impact earnings. Any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges would be recorded in current earnings. Within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income, the gains and losses related to cash flow hedges are recognized within interest income (expense), net, as this is the same financial statement line item used for any gains or losses associated with the hedged items. Cash flows from hedging activities are included operating activities within the company’s consolidated statements of cash flows, which is the same category as the items being hedged. See Note 8 for further information.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share The Company calculates basic net income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share takes into account the effect of potential dilutive common shares when the effect is dilutive. The effect of potentially dilutive common shares, including common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, is computed using the treasury stock method. The effect of potentially dilutive common shares from the conversion of the outstanding convertible preferred securities was computed using the as-if converted method at the stated conversion rate. The Company’s unvested RSUs awarded to the board of directors contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered to be participating securities in periods of net income. The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share excludes net income attributable to these unvested RSUs from the numerator and excludes the impact of these unvested RSUs from the denominator.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation	Classification of stock-based compensation by line item on the balance sheet and statement of operations is presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Property and equipment, net $ 1,187 $ 1,865 Inventory 237 234 Prepaid and other current assets 79 138 Cost of subscriber equipment 23 26 Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 4,326 3,600 Research and development 243 340 Selling, general and administrative 10,546 10,524 Total stock-based compensation $ 16,641 $ 16,727
Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives	Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Satellites 12.5 years Ground system 5-7 years Equipment 3-5 years Internally developed software and purchased software 3-7 years Building 39 years Building improvements 5-39 years Leasehold improvements shorter of useful life or remaining lease term
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Lives	Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Intellectual property 20 years Assembled workforce 7 years Patents 14 - 20 years

Cash and Cash Equivalents and_2

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents: December 31, Recurring Fair Value Measurement 2019 2018 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 13,943 $ 20,879 Money market funds 209,618 252,473 Level 2 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 223,561 $ 273,352

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Satellite system $ 3,197,460 $ 2,766,627 Ground system 66,789 60,656 Equipment 45,406 42,152 Internally developed software and purchased software 241,793 215,252 Building and leasehold improvements 31,050 30,517 Total depreciable property and equipment 3,582,498 3,115,204 Less: accumulated depreciation (682,130 ) (453,463 ) Total depreciable property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 2,900,368 2,661,741 Land 8,037 8,037 Ground spares 225,254 — Construction-in-process: Upgraded satellite systems under construction — 658,395 Other construction-in-process 47,140 42,682 Total property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 3,180,799 $ 3,370,855
Other construction in process	Other construction-in-process consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Internally developed software $ 38,064 $ 27,725 Equipment 8,983 12,841 Ground system 93 2,116 Total other construction-in-process $ 47,140 $ 42,682

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of identifiable intangible assets	The Company had identifiable intangible assets as follows: December 31, 2019 Useful Life (years) Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (In thousands) Indefinite life intangible assets: Trade names Indefinite $ 21,195 $ — $ 21,195 Spectrum and licenses Indefinite 14,030 — 14,030 Total 35,225 — 35,225 Definite life intangible assets: Intellectual property 20 years 16,439 (8,217 ) 8,222 Assembled workforce 7 years 5,678 (2,433 ) 3,245 Patents 14 - 20 324 (39 ) 285 Total 22,441 (10,689 ) 11,752 Total intangible assets $ 57,666 $ (10,689 ) $ 46,977 December 31, 2018 Useful Life (years) Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (In thousands) Indefinite life intangible assets: Trade names Indefinite $ 21,195 $ — $ 21,195 Spectrum and licenses Indefinite 14,030 — 14,030 Total 35,225 — 35,225 Definite life intangible assets: Intellectual property 20 years 16,439 (7,434 ) 9,005 Assembled workforce 7 years 5,678 (1,622 ) 4,056 Patents 14 - 20 274 (20 ) 254 Total 22,391 (9,076 ) 13,315 Total intangible assets $ 57,616 $ (9,076 ) $ 48,540
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense	Future amortization expense with respect to intangible assets existing at December 31, 2019 , by year and in the aggregate, was as follows: Year ending December 31, Amount (In thousands) 2020 $ 1,616 2021 1,616 2022 1,616 2023 1,616 2024 805 Thereafter 4,483 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 11,752

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Leases (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Right of Use Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Leases Classification 12/31/2019 (in thousands) Operating lease assets Noncurrent Other assets $ 27,007 Total lease assets $ 27,007 Operating lease liabilities Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 3,397 Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities 26,859 Total lease liabilities $ 30,256
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Future payment obligations with respect to the Company's operating leases in which it is the lessee existing at December 31, 2019, by year and in the aggregate, are as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amount (in thousands) 2020 $ 5,477 2021 5,382 2022 4,992 2023 4,983 2024 4,944 Thereafter 13,213 Total lease payments $ 38,991
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Both Aireon and L3Harris have made payments for their hosting agreements and will continue to do so. Future income with respect to the Company's operating leases in which it is the lessor existing at December 31, 2019, by year and in the aggregate, is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amount (in thousands) 2020 $ 21,445 2021 21,445 2022 21,445 2023 21,445 2024 21,445 Thereafter 120,352 Total lease income $ 227,577

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Debt (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of future payments of credit facility	Future minimum principal repayments with respect to the Company's debt balances existing at December 31, 2019 by year and in the aggregate, are as follows: Year ending December 31, Amount (In thousands) 2020 $ 10,875 2021 14,500 2022 374,500 2023 14,500 2024 14,500 Thereafter 1,381,125 Total debt commitments $ 1,810,000 Less: Original issuance discount 33,630 Less: Total short-term debt 10,875 Total long-term debt, net $ 1,765,495

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of share-based payment award, stock options, valuation assumptions	The following table summarizes weighted-average assumptions used in the Company's calculations of fair value: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 40.78% 39.53% 41.11% Expected term (years) 6.11 6.11 6.25 Expected dividends —% —% —% Risk free interest rate 2.59% 2.68% 1.92%
Schedule of Share-based compensation, stock options, activity	A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock options is as follows: Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands, except years and per share data) Options outstanding at December 31, 2016 7,202 $ 7.87 Granted 209 10.50 Cancelled or expired (2 ) 7.24 Exercised (534 ) 7.93 Forfeited (19 ) 9.13 Options outstanding at December 31, 2017 6,856 $ 7.94 4.63 $ 26,459 Granted 364 15.56 Cancelled or expired (1 ) 8.59 Exercised (1,477 ) 8.42 Forfeited (39 ) 9.97 Options outstanding at December 31, 2018 5,703 $ 8.29 4.38 $ 57,956 Granted 139 21.12 Cancelled or expired (1 ) 11.80 Exercised (1,670 ) 8.11 Forfeited (18 ) 11.74 Options outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,153 $ 8.78 4.03 $ 65,887 Options exercisable at December 31, 2019 3,710 $ 7.85 3.51 $ 62,279 Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 4,143 $ 8.75 4.02 $ 65,815
Schedule of share-based compensation, restricted stock units award activity	A summary of the Company’s activity for outstanding RSUs is as follows: RSUs Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU (In thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 3,323 $ 7.40 Granted 2,431 8.89 Forfeited (203 ) 8.42 Released (2,003 ) 7.16 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 3,548 $ 8.50 Granted 1,632 11.87 Forfeited (163 ) 9.69 Released (1,940 ) 8.64 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 3,077 $ 10.13 Granted 1,058 22.50 Forfeited (102 ) 14.86 Released (1,331 ) 10.52 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2,702 $ 14.62 Vested and unreleased at December 31, 2019 (1) 727

Revenue from Contracts with C_2

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s services revenue: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Commercial voice and data services $ 203,622 $ 193,176 $ 177,685 Commercial IoT data services 96,435 85,054 74,142 Hosted payload and other data services 49,969 40,527 9,908 Total commercial 350,026 318,757 261,735 Government services (1) 97,132 88,000 88,000 Total services $ 447,158 $ 406,757 $ 349,735
Summary of Company's Engineering and Support Service Revenue [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s engineering and support services revenue: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Commercial $ 2,852 $ 716 $ 3,109 Government 27,578 17,687 18,083 Total $ 30,430 $ 18,403 $ 21,192
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	The contract assets not separately disclosed are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 (in thousands) Contract Assets: Commissions $ 1,116 $ 1,010 Other contract costs $ 3,231 $ 3,631

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income before income tax, domestic and foreign	U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) U.S. income (loss) $ (218,391 ) $ (22,147 ) $ 120,281 Foreign income (loss) 272 1,498 (709 ) Total income (loss) before income taxes $ (218,119 ) $ (20,649 ) $ 119,572
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)	The components of the Company’s income tax provision were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Current taxes: Federal tax (benefit) expense $ (3,796 ) $ 17 $ 13 State tax (benefit) expense 37 (91 ) 422 Foreign tax expense 1,481 1,163 863 Total current tax (benefit) expense (2,278 ) 1,089 1,298 Deferred taxes: Federal tax expense (benefit) (50,690 ) (9,159 ) (110,811 ) State tax expense (benefit) (1,850 ) 904 (4,851 ) Foreign tax expense (benefit) (1,302 ) (99 ) 80 Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (53,842 ) (8,354 ) (115,582 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (56,120 ) $ (7,265 ) $ (114,284 )
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax expense to the Company’s effective income tax provision is below. Any amounts that do not have a meaningful impact on this reconciliation are not separately disclosed. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Expected tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory tax rate $ (45,790 ) $ (4,336 ) $ 41,850 State taxes, net of federal benefit (15,608 ) (3,361 ) 5,133 State tax valuation allowance 16,216 10,651 582 Deferred impact of state tax law changes and elections (2,414 ) (6,481 ) (10,217 ) Tax Act - deferred tax effects — — (150,903 ) Equity-based compensation (8,227 ) (3,807 ) (977 ) Limitation on executive compensation deduction 792 1,568 26 Other nondeductible items 873 298 110 Tax credits (995 ) (2,872 ) (528 ) Foreign taxes and other adjustments (967 ) 1,075 640 Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (56,120 ) $ (7,265 ) $ (114,284 )
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets Long-term contracts $ 69,188 $ 70,518 Federal, state and foreign net operating losses, other carryforwards and tax credits 382,392 277,678 Other 24,137 20,002 Total deferred tax assets 475,717 368,198 Valuation allowance (29,554 ) (14,174 ) Net deferred tax assets 446,163 354,024 Deferred tax liabilities Fixed assets, intangibles and research and development expenditures (565,897 ) (529,037 ) Investment in joint venture (60,374 ) (57,686 ) Other (7,095 ) (8,357 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (633,366 ) (595,080 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (187,203 ) $ (241,056 )
Summary of income tax contingencies	The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits which includes related interest and penalties: 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance at January 1, $ 1,112 $ 1,046 Change attributable to tax positions taken in a prior period 38 50 Change attributable to final assessment (176 ) — Change attributable to tax positions taken in the current period — 16 Decrease attributable to lapse of statute of limitations (21 ) — Balance at December 31, $ 953 $ 1,112

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computations of basic and diluted net income per share	The computations of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are set forth below: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted $ (166,193 ) $ (23,533 ) $ 218,420 Dividends on Series A preferred stock, declared and undeclared — — 7,000 Dividends on Series B preferred stock, declared and undeclared — — 8,436 Numerator for diluted net income (loss) per share $ (166,193 ) $ (23,533 ) $ 233,641 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 125,167 108,975 97,934 Dilutive effect of stock options — — 1,558 Dilutive effect of Performance RSUs — — 1,308 Dilutive effect of Series A preferred stock — — 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B preferred stock — — 16,728 Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share 125,167 108,975 128,130 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ (1.33 ) $ (0.22 ) $ 2.23 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ (1.33 ) $ (0.22 ) $ 1.82

Segments, Significant Custome_2

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of long lived assets by geographical areas	Net property and equipment by geographic area was as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 (In thousands) United States $ 421,253 $ 188,203 Satellites in orbit 2,744,356 2,504,734 Upgraded satellite systems under construction (United States) — 658,395 All others (1) 15,190 19,523 Total $ 3,180,799 $ 3,370,855
Revenue from external customers by geographic areas	Revenue by geographic area was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) United States $ 300,494 $ 276,398 $ 229,741 Canada 53,199 48,511 44,107 United Kingdom 50,401 51,344 46,245 Other countries (1) 156,350 146,755 127,953 Total $ 560,444 $ 523,008 $ 448,046

Selected Quarterly Informatio_2

Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information (unaudited)	The following represents the Company’s unaudited quarterly results: Quarter Ended March 31, 2019 June 30, 2019 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2019 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 133,685 $ 143,100 $ 144,785 $ 138,874 Operating income (loss) $ (1,633 ) $ 3,741 $ 8,011 $ 1 Net loss $ (18,024 ) $ (18,106 ) $ (18,012 ) $ (107,857 ) Net loss per common share - basic and diluted $ (0.18 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.14 ) $ (0.82 ) Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 119,148 $ 134,931 $ 136,764 $ 132,165 Operating income (loss) $ 19,439 $ 16,345 $ 6,011 $ (142 ) Net income (loss) $ 11,472 $ (4,418 ) $ (12,856 ) $ (7,582 ) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ 0.08 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 ) Net income (loss) per common share - diluted $ 0.07 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 )

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2011
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Definition: Three Year Cumulative Inflation Rate - Highly Inflationary Economy		100.00%
Reduction of Deferred Revenue						$ 15.7
Right of Use Asset - Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Pronouncement, ASU 2016-02					$ 27.1
Provision for obsolete inventory		$ 0.8	$ 0.3	$ 0.4
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		12 years 6 months
Advertising expense		$ 0.9	$ 0.4	$ 0.3
Right of Use Liability - Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Pronouncement, ASU 2016-02					$ 30.1
Next-generation Satellites
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		12 years 6 months
Kosmotras
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Purchase obligation amount for single launch							$ 51.8
Kosmotras
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accelerated Depreciation - Kosmotras	$ 36.8

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Classification of Stock-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net	$ 1,187	$ 1,865
Inventory	237	234
Share-Based Compensation, Prepaid and Other Assets	79	138
Cost of subscriber equipment	23	26
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	4,326	3,600
Research and development	243	340
Selling, general and administrative	10,546	10,524
Total stock-based compensation	$ 16,641	$ 16,727

Significant Accounting Polici_6

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Property and Equipment Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	12 years 6 months
Satellites
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	12 years 6 months
Ground system \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Ground system \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Internally developed software and purchased software \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Internally developed software and purchased software \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Building improvements \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Building improvements \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years

Significant Accounting Polici_7

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Intellectual property
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible asset	20 years	20 years
Assembled workforce
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible asset	7 years	7 years
Minimum \| Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible asset	14 years	14 years
Maximum \| Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible asset	20 years	20 years

- Cash and Cash Equivalents (De

- Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Extinguished Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 1,800,000
Cash	13,943	$ 20,879
Total cash and cash equivalents	223,561	273,352
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	191,935
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Money market funds	$ 209,618	$ 252,473

Property and Equipment - Summar

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Satellite system	$ 3,197,460	$ 2,766,627
Ground system	66,789	60,656
Equipment	45,406	42,152
Internally developed software and purchased software	241,793	215,252
Building and leasehold improvements	31,050	30,517
Property and equipment gross excluding construction in process and land	3,582,498	3,115,204
Less: accumulated depreciation	(682,130)	(453,463)
Property and equipment net excluding construction in process and land	2,900,368	2,661,741
Land	8,037	8,037
Ground Spares	225,254	0
Construction in process:
Upgraded satellite systems under construction	0	658,395
Total other construction-in-process	47,140	42,682
Total property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 3,180,799	$ 3,370,855

Property and Equipment - Constr

Property and Equipment - Construction in Process (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Internally developed software	$ 38,064	$ 27,725
Equipment	8,983	12,841
Ground system	93	2,116
Total other construction-in-process	$ 47,140	$ 42,682

Property and Equipment - Narrat

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 296.1	$ 216.6	$ 120.7

Intangible Assets - Indentifiab

Intangible Assets - Indentifiable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Indefinite life intangible assets:
Net Carrying Value	$ 35,225	$ 35,225
Definite life intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	22,441	22,391
Accumulated Amortization	(10,689)	(9,076)
Net Carrying Value	11,752	13,315
Gross Carrying Value	57,666	57,616
Accumulated Amortization	(10,689)	(9,076)
Total intangible assets, Net Carrying Value	$ 46,977	$ 48,540
Intellectual Property
Definite life intangible assets:
Useful Life (years)	20 years	20 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 16,439	$ 16,439
Accumulated Amortization	(8,217)	(7,434)
Net Carrying Value	$ 8,222	$ 9,005
Assembled workforce
Definite life intangible assets:
Useful Life (years)	7 years	7 years
Gross Carrying Value	$ 5,678	$ 5,678
Accumulated Amortization	(2,433)	(1,622)
Net Carrying Value	3,245	4,056
Patents
Definite life intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	324	274
Accumulated Amortization	(39)	(20)
Net Carrying Value	285	254
Trade names
Indefinite life intangible assets:
Net Carrying Value	21,195	21,195
Spectrum and licensing
Indefinite life intangible assets:
Net Carrying Value	$ 14,030	$ 14,030
Minimum \| Patents
Definite life intangible assets:
Useful Life (years)	14 years	14 years
Maximum \| Patents
Definite life intangible assets:
Useful Life (years)	20 years	20 years

Intangible Assets - Narrative (

Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 1.6	$ 1.6	$ 1.6

Intangible Assets - Future Amor

Intangible Assets - Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 1,616
2020	1,616
2021	1,616
2022	1,616
2023	805
Thereafter	4,483
Net Carrying Value	$ 11,752	$ 13,315

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 21,445
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years	21,445
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years	21,445
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years	21,445
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years	21,445
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter	120,352
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received	$ 227,577
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	12 years 6 months
Operating Lease, Lease Income	$ 21,600	$ 17,100
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 5,100	$ 5,100	$ 4,700
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term	10 years
Lessee Operating Lease, Termination Option	1 year
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 27,007
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	3,397
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	26,859
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 30,256
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	7 years 6 months
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	6.70%
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 5,477
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	5,382
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	4,992
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	4,983
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	4,944
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	13,213
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 38,991

Debt Narrative (Details)

Debt Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Debt Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 07, 2020	Nov. 04, 2019	Mar. 21, 2018
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Milestone Payment	$ 0	$ (59,936)	$ 0
Interest Costs Incurred	140,100	142,700	114,400
Total Debt - Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs	21,600	26,500	27,300
Extinguished Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	1,800,000
BPIAE Credit Facility Principal Balance Paid Down in Refinancing					$ 1,547,900
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	191,935
Proceeds from lines of credit	0	0	$ 22,207
Interest payable	7,800	29,400
Credit Facility Carrying Amount	1,423,400
Long-term Debt, Gross	1,810,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	(111,700)
Interest Costs Capitalized	15,100	$ 76,700
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross					100,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						10.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 360,000
Senior Unsecured Notes - Fair Market Value	385,900
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	7,000
Term Loan B [Member]
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 1,450,000				$ 1,450,000
Term Loan B [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional Term Loan Drawdown				$ 200,000

Debt Future Payments (Details)

Debt Future Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019	$ 10,875
2020	14,500
2021	374,500
2022	14,500
2023	14,500
Thereafter	1,381,125
Total	1,810,000
Original issuance discount	33,630
Total short-term debt	10,875
Original issuance discount	$ 1,765,495

Debt Senior Unsecured Notes (De

Debt Senior Unsecured Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 21, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Noncurrent	$ 352,994	$ 350,998
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			10.25%
Senior Unsecured Notes - Fair Market Value	385,900
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 7,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 360,000

Debt Term Loan (Details)

Debt Term Loan (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Debt Term Loan (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Rate	Feb. 07, 2020USD ($)	Nov. 04, 2019USD ($)Rate
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross \| $	$ 1,810,000
Discount on Debt Issuance - Term Loan B \| Rate			99.50%
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt \| $	$ (111,700)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period \| Rate	6.00%
Commitment Fee on Revolving Facility \| Rate	0.50%
Penalty Rate on Prepayment During First Six Months \| Rate			1.00%
First Lien Net Leverage Ratio			6.25
Credit Facility Drawdown Floor for Application of First Lien Net Leverage Ratio \| Rate			35.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross \| $			$ 100,000
Term Loan B [Member]
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term Loan Interest - Fixed Rate Portion \| Rate			3.75%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| $	$ 1,450,000		$ 1,450,000
Floor on Referenced Variable Index Rate \| Rate			1.00%
Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs \| $	26,600
Credit Facility - Term Loan Fair Market Value \| $	$ 1,468,100
Term Loan B [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional Term Loan Drawdown \| $		$ 200,000

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Rate
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 1,000
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0.3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0.1
Interest Rate Swaption [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value	$ 0.9
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate \| Rate	0.50%
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value	$ 0.8
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate \| Rate	1.565%

Boeing Operations and Mainten_2

Boeing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreements Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 28, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 03, 2017
Boeing Operations And Maintenance Agreements [Line Items]
Gain from derecognition of purchase accounting liability			$ 0	$ 0	$ 14,189
Development Services Agreement [Member] \| Boeing
Boeing Operations And Maintenance Agreements [Line Items]
Annual commitment amount						$ 6,000
Insourcing Agreement [Member] \| Boeing
Boeing Operations And Maintenance Agreements [Line Items]
Obligation costs associated with hiring of employees	$ 5,500
Insourcing Agreement [Member] \| Boeing
Boeing Operations And Maintenance Agreements [Line Items]
Agreed Costs Paid Associated With Hiring of Employees		$ 2,750

Stock-Based Compensation Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of additional shares authorized under plan	2,542,664
Total number of shares authorized under plan					30,944,912
Number of shares available for future grant					13,529,137
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent					100.00%
Share-Based Compensation Award, Reduction in Shares Available for Issuance by Shares Issued Pursuant to Any Stock Award that is not an Appreciation Award					1.8
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, gross					139,000	364,000	209,000
Allocated share-based compensation expense					$ 1.4	$ 1.5	$ 1.8
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value					$ 9.18	$ 6.63	$ 4.51
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, vested in period, fair value					$ 1.4	$ 1.4	$ 2
Options exercisable and expected to vest, end of period (in shares)					4,143,000
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense					$ 15.2	$ 15.2	$ 17
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, total					$ 14.7
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition					1 year 5 months 8 days
Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, total					$ 2.7
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition					2 years 4 months 24 days
Service based R S U
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units					740,000	900,000	964,000
Fair value of restricted stock units					$ 16.9	$ 10.7	$ 8.5
Employee \| Restricted stock units (RSUs) \| Percent vested after first year of service
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage after first year anniversary					25.00%
Employee \| Restricted stock units (RSUs) \| Percent vesting quarterly after first year of service
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage after first year anniversary					6.25%
Employee \| Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, terms of award					ten years
Share-based compensation vesting period					4 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, gross					139,000	364,000	209,000
Grant date fair value of stock options					$ 1.3	$ 2.4	$ 0.9
Employee \| Employee stock option \| Percent vested after first year of service
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage after first year anniversary					25.00%
Employee \| Employee stock option \| Percent vesting quarterly after first year of service
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage after first year anniversary					6.25%
Non employee consultants \| Restricted stock units (RSUs) \| Percent vesting quarterly after first year of service
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage after first year anniversary					12.50%
Non employee consultants \| Service based R S U
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units					11,000	14,000	8,000
Fair value of restricted stock units					$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 0.1
Non employee consultants \| Service based R S U \| Vesting on the First Anniversary of Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rights percentage					50.00%
Executives and Employees \| Performance Based Bonus R S U
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units		125,000	474,000	1,190,000
Fair value of restricted stock units		$ 2.9	$ 5.6	$ 10.5
Employee Executives \| Performance Based Bonus R S U
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units					96,000	134,000	173,000
Fair value of restricted stock units					$ 2.2	$ 1.6	$ 1.5
Employee Executives \| Performance Shares \| Vesting in march in year after performance period end
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rights percentage					50.00%
Employee Executives \| Performance Shares \| Vesting in march of third year after grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rights percentage					50.00%
Employee Executives \| Performance Shares \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rights percentage					0.00%
Employee Executives \| Performance Shares \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rights percentage					150.00%
Board of directors chairman \| Service based R S U
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units					76,000	110,000	96,000
Fair value of restricted stock units					$ 1.4	$ 1.3	$ 1
Over-Perform [Member] \| Employee Executives \| Performance Based Bonus R S U
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units					11,000	1,000
Under-Perform [Member] \| Employee Executives \| Performance Based Bonus R S U
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units							53,000

Stock-Based Compensation Fair V

Stock-Based Compensation Fair Value Of Options Granted (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	40.78%	39.53%	41.11%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	2.59%	2.68%	1.92%
Expected term (years)	6 years 1 month 9 days	6 years 1 month 9 days	6 years 3 months
Expected dividends	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stock-Based Compensation Activi

Stock-Based Compensation Activity Of Company's Stock Options (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	5,703	6,856	7,202
Options Granted - Shares	139	364	209
Options Cancelled or expired - Shares	(1)	(1)	(2)
Options Exercised - Shares	(1,670)	(1,477)	(534)
Options Forfeited - Shares	(18)	(39)	(19)
Options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	4,153	5,703	6,856
Options exercisable, end of period (in shares)	3,710
Options exercisable and expected to vest, end of period (in shares)	4,143
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding, beginning of period - weighted average exercise price per share	$ 8.29	$ 7.94	$ 7.87
Options granted - weighted average exercise price per share	21.12	15.56	10.50
Options cancelled or expired - weighted average exercise price per share	11.80	8.59	7.24
Options exercised - weighted average exercise price per share	8.11	8.42	7.93
Options forfeited - weighted average exercise price per share	11.74	9.97	9.13
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average exercise price per share	8.78	$ 8.29	$ 7.94
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average exercise price per share	7.85
Options exercisable and expected to vest, end of period- weighted average exercise price per share	$ 8.75
Options outstanding, end of period - weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	4 years 10 days	4 years 4 months 17 days	4 years 7 months 17 days
Options exercisable, end of period - weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	3 years 6 months 3 days
Options exercisable and expected to vest, end of period - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	4 years 7 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding, end of period - aggregate intrinsic value	$ 65,887	$ 57,956	$ 26,459
Options exercisable, end of period - aggregate intrinsic value	62,279
Options exercisable and expected to vest, end of period - aggregate intrinsic value	$ 65,815

Stock-Based Compensation Outsta

Stock-Based Compensation Outstanding RSUs (Details) - Outstanding Restricted Stock Units - $ / shares shares in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
RSUs
Outstanding - restricted stock units		3,077	3,548	3,323
Granted - restricted stock units		1,058	1,632	2,431
Forfeited - restricted stock units		(102)	(163)	(203)
Released - restricted stock units		(1,331)	(1,940)	(2,003)
Outstanding - restricted stock units		2,702	3,077	3,548
Vested - restricted stock units	[1]	727
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding - weighted average grant date fair value per RSU		$ 10.13	$ 8.50	$ 7.40
Granted - weighted average grant date fair value per RSU		22.50	11.87	8.89
Forfeited - weighted average grant date fair value per RSU		14.86	9.69	8.42
Released - weighted average grant date fair value per RSU		10.52	8.64	7.16
Outstanding - weighted average grant date fair value per RSU		$ 14.62	$ 10.13	$ 8.50

[1]	These RSUs were granted to the Company's board of directors as a part of their compensation for board and committee service and had vested but had not yet been issued and released.

Preferred Stock Narrative (Deta

Preferred Stock Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized					2,000,000
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued	500,000			1,000,000
Shares of preferred stock, undesignated and unissued					500,000
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities					16,628,000	10,702,000
Series A preferred stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued					1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid income statement impact					$ 0	$ 1,750	$ 1,750
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding					0	0
Series A preferred stock \| Private offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued				1,000,000
Annual rate of preferred stock, per share			$ 12.26
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities			10,599,974
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid income statement impact						$ 7,000	1,800
Series A cumulative convertible perpetual preferred stock \| Private offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend rate on preferred stock				7.00%
Series B preferred stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued					500,000	500,000
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid income statement impact					$ 4,194	$ 2,109	$ 2,109
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding					0	497,000
Series B preferred stock \| Public Offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued	500,000
Price Per Share Of Preferred Stock	$ 250
Series B preferred stock \| Private offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Annual rate of preferred stock, per share		$ 11.21
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		16,627,632
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid income statement impact					$ 8,400

Revenue from Contracts with C_3

Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 10,739				$ 18,284				$ 10,739		$ 18,284
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest									(218,119)		(20,649)	$ 119,572
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									56,120		7,265	114,284
Deferred revenue	39,080				37,429				39,080		37,429
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	67,092				74,656				67,092		74,656
Other long-term liabilities	29,284				4,160				29,284		4,160
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized									43,000		18,000
Net income (loss)	(107,857)	$ (18,012)	$ (18,106)	$ (18,024)	(7,582)	$ (12,856)	$ (4,418)	$ 11,472	(161,999)		(13,384)	233,856
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	$ 331,969				$ 501,712				331,969		501,712
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] \| Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Deferred revenue													$ 15,700
Engineering and Support Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									30,430		18,403	21,192
Commercial Voice and Data Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									203,622		193,176	177,685
Commercial IoT Data Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									96,435		85,054	74,142
Hosted Payload and Other Data Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									49,969		40,527	9,908
Commercial Service Revenue [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									350,026		318,757	261,735
Government Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									97,132	[1]	88,000	88,000
Service [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									447,158		406,757	349,735
Commercial [Member] \| Engineering and Support Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									2,852		716	3,109
US Government [Member] \| Engineering and Support Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									27,578		17,687	$ 18,083
Commissions [Member]
Contract Assets Not Separately Disclosed									1,116		1,010
Other Contract Costs [Member]
Contract Assets Not Separately Disclosed									$ 3,231		$ 3,631

[1]	Effective September 15, 2019, the Company entered into a multi-year, fixed price contract with the U.S. Air Force Space Command, or AFSPC, for Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services, or the EMSS Contract. Under the EMSS Contract, the Company will provide satellite airtime services, including unlimited global standard and secure voice, paging, fax, Short Burst Data, Iridium Burst, RUDICS and Distributed Tactical Communications System, or DTCS, services for an unlimited number of U.S. Department of Defense, or DoD, and other federal government subscribers. This replaces the previous EMSS contract signed in 2013.

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%	35.00%
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017, change in tax rate, provisional income tax benefit			$ 150,900
Deferred income tax assets, net	$ 1,500
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	188,700
Deferred impact of state tax law changes and elections	(2,414)	$ (6,481)	$ (10,217)
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	29,554	14,174
Deferred tax assets, in process research and development	9,500	8,400
Deferred tax assets, tax credit carryforwards, foreign	5,200
Deferred tax assets, tax credit carryforwards, alternative minimum tax	3,600
Foreign tax credit carry forward valuation allowance increase	1,100
Unrecognized tax benefits, period increase (decrease)	1,000	1,100
Domestic tax authority
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	280,500	219,600
Foreign tax authority
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	54,500	36,700
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	800	800
Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards \| State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, deferred tax asset, increase (decrease), amount	(27,700)	(11,400)
Tax Year 2022 and Later \| Foreign tax authority
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 900	$ 900

Income Taxes - U.S and Foreign

Income Taxes - U.S and Foreign Components Of Income Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. income (loss)	$ (218,391)	$ (22,147)	$ 120,281
Foreign income (loss)	272	1,498	(709)
Total income (loss) before income taxes	$ (218,119)	$ (20,649)	$ 119,572

Income Taxes - Components of Co

Income Taxes - Components of Company's Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current taxes:
Federal tax (benefit) expense	$ (3,796)	$ 17	$ 13
State tax (benefit) expense	37	(91)	422
Foreign tax expense	1,481	1,163	863
Total current tax (benefit) expense	(2,278)	1,089	1,298
Deferred taxes:
Federal tax expense (benefit)	(50,690)	(9,159)	(110,811)
State tax expense (benefit)	(1,850)	904	(4,851)
Foreign tax expense (benefit)	(1,302)	(99)	80
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	(53,842)	(8,354)	(115,582)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (56,120)	$ (7,265)	$ (114,284)

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory tax rate	$ (45,790)	$ (4,336)	$ 41,850
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(15,608)	(3,361)	5,133
State tax valuation allowance	16,216	10,651	582
Deferred impact of state tax law changes and elections	(2,414)	(6,481)	(10,217)
Tax Act - deferred tax effects	0	0	(150,903)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount	(8,227)	(3,807)	(977)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Limitation on Executive Compensation	792	1,568	26
Other nondeductible items	873	298	110
Tax credits	(995)	(2,872)	(528)
Foreign taxes and other adjustments	(967)	1,075	640
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (56,120)	$ (7,265)	$ (114,284)

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets
Long-term contracts	$ 69,188	$ 70,518
Federal, state and foreign net operating losses, other carryforwards and tax credits	382,392	277,678
Other	24,137	20,002
Total deferred tax assets	475,717	368,198
Valuation allowance	(29,554)	(14,174)
Net deferred tax assets	446,163	354,024
Deferred tax liabilities
Fixed assets, intangibles and research and development expenditures	(565,897)	(529,037)
Investment in joint venture	(60,374)	(57,686)
Other	(7,095)	(8,357)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(633,366)	(595,080)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$ (187,203)	$ (241,056)

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	$ 1,112	$ 1,046
Change attributable to tax positions taken in a prior period	38	50
Change attributable to final assessment	(176)	0
Change attributable to tax positions taken in the current period	0	16
Decrease attributable to lapse of statute of limitations	(21)	0
Balance at December 31,	$ 953	$ 1,112

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - N

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee stock option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	0.2	0.1
Unvested non-performance restricted stock units (RSUs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share			2.1
Unvested Performance Based Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	0.3	0.3	0.2
Series A preferred stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends, undeclared	$ 0	$ 0	$ 5,250
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends, undeclared	$ 0	$ 6,290	$ 6,327
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share		16.7

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - S

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted									$ (166,193)	$ (23,533)	$ 218,420
Numerator for diluted net income (loss) per share									$ (166,193)	$ (23,533)	$ 233,641
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted average outstanding common shares									125,167	108,975	97,934
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share									125,167	108,975	128,130
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic (USD per share)	$ (0.82)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.08	$ (1.33)	$ (0.22)	$ 2.23
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted (USD per share)	$ (0.82)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.07	$ (1.33)	$ (0.22)	$ 1.82
Performance RSUs
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of stock									0	0	1,308
Series A preferred stock
Numerator:
Preferred stock declared and undeclared									$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,000
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of preferred stock									0	0	10,602
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Preferred stock declared and undeclared									$ 0	$ 0	$ 8,436
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of preferred stock									0	0	16,728
Equity Option [Member]
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of stock									0	0	1,558

Related Party Transaction Dis_2

Related Party Transaction Disclosure Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		35.70%
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Receivable		$ 1,400	$ 1,000
Equity Method Investee [Member] \| Data Services Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		12,600	9,100
Equity Method Investee [Member] \| Amended Hosting Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		16,000	13,900
Hosted Payload and Other Data Services [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		49,969	$ 40,527	$ 9,908
Line of Credit [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment, Principal		54,100
Forecast [Member] \| Equity Method Investee [Member] \| Hosting Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Hosting Fees		$ 200,000
Related Party Transaction, Power Fees per Year	$ 3,700
Related Party Transaction, Data Service Fees	$ 19,800

Segments, Significant Custome_3

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
No Single Country or Region Representing More Than Stated Percentage of Total Revenue	10.00%	10.00%
No Single Country Greater than Stated Percentage - PP&E	10.00%	10.00%
No Single Customer Over 10% Total Revenue - Commercial	10.00%	10.00%
No Single Customer Over 10% Total Revenue - Government	10.00%	10.00%
Sales revenue, net \| Prime contracts with U.S. government
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	22.00%	20.00%	24.00%
Accounts receivable \| Prime contracts with U.S. government
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	39.00%	34.00%

Segments, Significant Custome_4

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information Net Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net		$ 3,180,799	$ 3,370,855
United states
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net		421,253	188,203
Satellites in orbit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,744,356	2,504,734
Upgraded satellite systems under construction (United States)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net		0	658,395
All others
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	[1]	$ 15,190	$ 19,523

[1]	No single country in this group represented more than 10% of property and equipment, net.

Segments, Significant Custome_5

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information Revenue By Geographic (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 138,874	$ 144,785	$ 143,100	$ 133,685	$ 132,165	$ 136,764	$ 134,931	$ 119,148	$ 560,444	$ 523,008	$ 448,046
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										300,494	276,398	229,741
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										53,199	48,511	44,107
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										50,401	51,344	46,245
Other countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									$ 156,350	$ 146,755	$ 127,953

[1]	No single country in this group represented more than 10% of revenue.

Employee Benefit Plan Narrative

Employee Benefit Plan Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined-contribution plan matching employees’ contributions vested percentage	100.00%
Maximum employee contribution percentage	100.00%
Maximum deferral contribution percentage	5.00%
Defined-contribution plan employer-matching contributions amount	$ 3.1	$ 3	$ 2.5

Schedule of Quarterly Financial

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 138,874	$ 144,785	$ 143,100	$ 133,685	$ 132,165	$ 136,764	$ 134,931	$ 119,148	$ 560,444	$ 523,008	$ 448,046
Operating income (loss)	1	8,011	3,741	(1,633)	(142)	6,011	16,345	19,439	10,120	41,653	115,476
Net income (loss)	$ (107,857)	$ (18,012)	$ (18,106)	$ (18,024)	$ (7,582)	$ (12,856)	$ (4,418)	$ 11,472	$ (161,999)	$ (13,384)	$ 233,856
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - basic	$ (0.82)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.08	$ (1.33)	$ (0.22)	$ 2.23
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - diluted	$ (0.82)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.07	$ (1.33)	$ (0.22)	$ 1.82
Depreciation									$ 296,100	$ 216,600	$ 120,700
Gain on Boeing transaction									$ 0	$ 0	$ 14,189

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Feb. 13, 2020	Feb. 07, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Nov. 04, 2019	Mar. 21, 2018
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			1.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	105.125%
Redemption Premium	$ 23.5
Senior Notes [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior Notes Redeemed						$ 360
Senior Notes [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior Notes Redeemed		$ 360
Term Loan B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior Notes Redeemed				$ 1,450	$ 1,450
Term Loan B [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Additional Term Loan Drawdown			$ 200