Iridium Communications (IRDM) 10-K 25 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 22, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Iridium Communications Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,418,819
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	IRDM
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		95,129,867
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 739.4

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 185,665	$ 211,249
Marketable securities	203,329	261,136
Accounts receivable, net	51,668	50,672
Inventory	27,926	28,433
Deferred income tax assets, net		11,009
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,130	10,614
Total current assets	481,718	573,113
Property and equipment, net	2,443,567	1,971,839
Restricted cash	91,112	86,104
Other assets	8,188	7,726
Intangible assets, net	46,589	47,416
Deferred financing costs	133,056	136,444
Goodwill	0	87,039
Total assets	3,204,230	2,909,681
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	31,525	17,677
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	29,402	38,419
Interest payable	3,720	9,589
Deferred revenue	36,967	36,665
Total current liabilities	101,614	102,350
Accrued satellite operations and maintenance expense, net of current portion	14,182	15,051
Credit facility	1,521,822	1,291,401
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	296,832	245,042
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	28,567	20,689
Other long-term liabilities	12,492	3,284
Total liabilities	$ 1,975,509	$ 1,677,817
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 300,000 shares authorized, 94,946 and 93,905 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	$ 95	$ 94
Additional paid-in capital	1,044,488	1,033,176
Retained earnings	193,201	201,514
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(9,063)	(2,920)
Total stockholders' equity	1,228,721	1,231,864
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,204,230	$ 2,909,681
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Value
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Value

Consolidated Balance Sheets _Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets [Parenthetical] - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000
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	95,126,000	93,905,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	95,126,000	93,905,000
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	1,000,000	1,000,000
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	500,000	500,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue:
Services	$ 317,022,000	$ 309,424,000	$ 292,092,000
Subscriber equipment	73,615,000	78,152,000	73,303,000
Engineering and support services	20,741,000	20,981,000	17,254,000
Total revenue	411,378,000	408,557,000	382,649,000
Operating expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	60,306,000	62,085,000	59,346,000
Cost of subscriber equipment	40,807,000	54,569,000	52,062,000
Research and development	16,144,000	17,587,000	11,149,000
Selling, general and administrative	81,445,000	78,636,000	75,218,000
Depreciation and amortization	51,834,000	72,769,000	74,980,000
Impairment of goodwill	87,039,000	0	0
Total operating expenses	337,575,000	285,646,000	272,755,000
Operating income	73,803,000	122,911,000	109,894,000
Other income (expense):
Interest income, net	3,069,000	3,640,000	2,276,000
Undrawn credit facility fees	(3,289,000)	(5,825,000)	(7,708,000)
Other income (expense), net	(468,000)	(4,274,000)	6,003,000
Total other income (expense)	(688,000)	(6,459,000)	571,000
Income before income taxes	73,115,000	116,452,000	110,465,000
Provision for income taxes	(65,992,000)	(41,463,000)	(47,948,000)
Net income	7,123,000	74,989,000	62,517,000
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$ (8,313,000)	$ 62,669,000	$ 55,517,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	95,097	88,080	76,909
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	95,097	109,400	87,511
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - basic	$ (0.09)	$ 0.71	$ 0.72
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - diluted	$ (0.09)	$ 0.69	$ 0.71
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 7,123,000	$ 74,989,000	$ 62,517,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(5,777,000)	(2,325,000)	(322,000)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	(366,000)	94,000	(10,000)
Comprehensive income	980,000	72,758,000	62,185,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Other income (expense):
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Total	7,000,000	7,000,000	7,000,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Other income (expense):
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Total	$ 8,436,000	$ 5,320,000	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 876,558							$ 76			$ 793,511			$ (357)			$ 83,328
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	0			1,000				76,461			0			0			0
Stock-based compensation	$ 7,749			$ 0				$ 0			$ 7,749			$ 0			$ 0
Stock issued upon exercise of stock warrants	$ 5			0				$ 1			$ 4			$ 0			$ 0
Stock issued upon exercise of stock warrants (in shares)	0							1			0			0			0
Stock issued in connection with employee stock plan	$ 24			0				$ 0			$ 24			$ 0			$ 0
Stock issued in connection with employee stock plan (in shares)	0							228			0			0			0
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	$ (26)							$ 0			$ (26)			$ 0			$ 0
Net income	62,517			0				0			0			0			62,517
Dividends on Preferred Stock		$ 0	$ (7,000)		$ 0					$ 0			$ 0			$ 0			$ (7,000)
Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax	(322)			0				0			0			(322)			0
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	(10)			0				0			0			(10)			0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 939,495			$ 0				$ 77			$ 801,262			$ (689)			$ 138,845
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	0			1,000				76,690			0			0			0
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	$ 26							$ 0			$ 26			$ 0			$ 0
Stock-based compensation	10,860			$ 0				0			10,860			0			0
Stock issued in connection with employee stock plan	$ 1,508			0				$ 1			$ 1,507			$ 0			$ 0
Stock issued in connection with employee stock plan (in shares)	0							535			0			0			0
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	$ 87			0				$ 0			$ 87			$ 0			$ 0
Issuance of common stock	$ 98,897	$ 120,753		0				$ 16	$ 0		$ 98,881	$ 120,753		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	0	0					500	16,680			0	0		0	0		0	0
Net income	$ 74,989			0				$ 0			$ 0			$ 0			$ 74,989
Dividends on Preferred Stock		$ (5,320)	(7,000)		0				0	0		$ 0	0		$ 0	0		$ (5,320)	(7,000)
Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax	(2,325)			0				0			0			(2,325)			0
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	94			0				0			0			94			0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,231,864			$ 0				$ 94			$ 1,033,176			$ (2,920)			$ 201,514
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	0			1,000		500		93,905			0			0			0
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	$ (87)			$ 0				$ 0			$ (87)			$ 0			$ 0
Stock-based compensation	9,649			0				0			9,649			0			0
Stock issued in connection with employee stock plan	$ 2,155			0				1			$ 2,154			$ 0			$ 0
Stock issued in connection with employee stock plan (in shares)	0										0			0			0
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	$ 886			0				0			$ 886			$ 0			$ 0
Net income	7,123			0				0			0			0			7,123
Dividends on Preferred Stock		$ (8,436)	$ (7,000)		$ 0				$ 0	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0		$ (8,436)	$ (7,000)
Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax	(5,777)			0				0			0			(5,777)			0
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	(366)			0				0			0			(366)			0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,228,721			$ 0				$ 95			$ 1,044,488			$ (9,063)			$ 193,201
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	0			1,000		500		95,126			0			0			0
Stock withheld to cover employee taxes	$ (886)			$ 0				$ 0			$ (886)			$ 0			$ 0
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock-based compensation	$ 395										$ 395			$ 0			$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 7,123,000	$ 74,989,000	$ 62,517,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	63,376,000	40,226,000	47,095,000
Depreciation and amortization	51,834,000	72,769,000	74,980,000
Impairment of goodwill	87,039,000	0	0
Stock-based compensation	8,603,000	9,601,000	6,715,000
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(806,000)	0	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	252,000	13,000	(525,000)
Provision for obsolete inventory	723,000	931,000	1,479,000
Loss on equity method investment	0	4,130,000	3,332,000
Amortization of premiums on marketable securities	2,030,000	709,000	546,000
Non-cash foreign currency losses, net	196,000	962,000	0
Realized loss on sale of marketable securities	0	0	82,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(1,843,000)	3,855,000	1,901,000
Inventory	(169,000)	251,000	(4,633,000)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,644,000)	1,520,000	(7,684,000)
Income tax receivable	(144,000)	679,000	3,617,000
Other assets	(1,253,000)	(2,926,000)	(4,328,000)
Accounts payable	3,110,000	(2,636,000)	(5,603,000)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(7,815,000)	634,000	9,694,000
Deferred revenue	9,038,000	10,603,000	5,612,000
Accrued satellite and network operation expense, net of current portion	(869,000)	(1,338,000)	(1,338,000)
Other long-term liabilities	698,000	(100,000)	(10,411,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	217,479,000	214,872,000	183,048,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(494,810,000)	(441,065,000)	(403,547,000)
Purchases of marketable securities	(204,672,000)	(275,819,000)	(126,408,000)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	260,108,000	90,630,000	49,119,000
Investment in equity method affiliate	0	0	(5,000,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(439,374,000)	(626,254,000)	(485,836,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under the Credit Facility	230,421,000	252,198,000	287,416,000
Payment of deferred financing fees	(14,984,000)	(17,580,000)	(18,716,000)
Restricted cash deposits	(5,009,000)	(15,889,000)	(26,990,000)
Releases from restricted cash	0	11,009,000	0
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	0	0	3,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,154,000	1,508,000	25,000
Tax payment upon settlement of stock awards	(886,000)	(83,000)	(26,000)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	806,000	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	0	98,897,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	197,066,000	438,844,000	234,712,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(755,000)	(2,555,000)	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(25,584,000)	24,907,000	(68,076,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	211,249,000	186,342,000	254,418,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	185,665,000	211,249,000	186,342,000
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	18,878,000	15,009,000	11,255,000
Income taxes paid (refunded), net	3,429,000	184,000	(2,920,000)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Property and equipment received but not paid for yet	26,770,000	16,566,000	10,690,000
Interest capitalized but not paid	12,232,000	9,589,000	7,989,000
Capitalized amortization of deferred financing costs	18,372,000	34,147,000	25,715,000
Capitalized paid-in-kind interest	43,073,000	11,174,000	12,475,000
Capitalized stock-based compensation	1,046,000	1,259,000	1,034,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs	0	120,753,000	0
Payment of Preferred Stock dividends	(8,436,000)	(4,969,000)	0
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
Dividends Payable	351,000	351,000	0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of Preferred Stock dividends	(7,000,000)	(7,000,000)	(7,000,000)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
Dividends Payable	$ 292,000	$ 292,000	$ 292,000

Organization and Business

Organization and Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Business	1. 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
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	2. 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 intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification and issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendment requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. In addition, the amendment requires companies to no longer allocate valuation allowances between current and noncurrent deferred tax assets because those allowances also will be classified as noncurrent. For publicly traded business entities, the guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted and the guidance may be adopted on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company has elected to early adopt the guidance for the year ended December 31, 2015 and has applied the guidance on a prospective basis. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Had the Company adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2014, the impact on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 would have been the reclassification of $11.0 million from current deferred income tax assets, net to non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net, which would have resulted in an ending balance of $234.0 million in non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net as of December 31, 2014. Recent Accounting Developments In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest: Imputation of Interest The adoption will have no impact on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity or cash flows. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory 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. 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. The instruments identified as subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis are cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. 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 carrying values of short-term financial instruments (primarily cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The fair value of the Company’s investments in money market funds approximates its carrying value; such instruments are classified as Level 1 and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the Company’s investments in commercial paper and short-term U.S. agency securities with original maturities of less than ninety days approximates their carrying value; such instruments are classified as Level 2 and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the Company’s investments in fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with original maturities of greater than ninety days are obtained using similar investments traded on active securities exchanges and are classified as Level 2. For fixed income securities that do not have quoted prices in active markets, the Company uses third-party vendors to price its debt securities resulting in classification as Level 2. All fixed-income securities are included in marketable securities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and receivables. The majority of cash is swept nightly into a money market fund invested in 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 (FDIC) limits. The Company’s marketable securities are highly-rated corporate and foreign fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with an original maturity in excess of ninety days. 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, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 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. The Company is required to maintain a minimum cash reserve for debt service related to its $1.8 billion loan facility (the “Credit Facility”). As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s restricted cash balance, which includes a minimum cash reserve for debt service related to the Credit Facility and the interest earned on these amounts, was $91.0 million and $86.1 million, respectively. For further discussion on the cash reserve for debt service related to the Credit Facility, see the Commitments and Contingencies footnote below. Marketable Securities Marketable securities consist of fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with an original maturity in excess of ninety days. These investments are classified as available-for-sale and are included in marketable securities within current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All investments are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of the marketable securities sold. There were no material realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of its investments to identify other-than-temporary declines in value. The Company determined that any decline in fair value of these investments is temporary as the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis. 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 $0.6 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Foreign Currencies 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. Internally Developed Software The Company capitalizes the costs of acquiring, developing and testing software to meet its internal needs. Capitalization of costs associated with software obtained or developed for internal use commences when the preliminary project stage is complete and it is probable that the project will be completed and used to perform the function intended. Capitalized costs include only (i) external direct cost of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software and (ii) payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with, and devote time to, the internal-use software project. Capitalization of such costs ceases no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Internal use software costs are amortized once the software is placed in service using the straight-line method over periods ranging from three to seven years. 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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had deferred approximately $133.1 million and $136.4 million, respectively, of direct and incremental financing costs, net of amortization, associated with securing debt financing for Iridium NEXT, the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation. Capitalized Interest Interest costs associated with financing the Company’s assets during the construction period of Iridium NEXT have been capitalized. Capitalized interest costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $83.1 million, $62.0 million and $52.1 million, respectively. 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 market. Accordingly, the Company recorded expenses of $0.7 million, $0.9 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, included within the cost of subscriber equipment for excess and obsolete inventory. The amount for the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily related to Iridium OpenPort equipment and the amounts for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are primarily related to Iridium 9505 handset accessories. The Company has a manufacturing agreement with Benchmark Electronics Inc. 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 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 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Property and equipment, net $ 998 $ 1,176 Inventory 48 83 Cost of subscriber equipment 135 152 Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 721 824 Research and development 221 312 Selling, general and administrative 7,526 8,313 Total stock-based compensation $ 9,649 $ 10,860 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 15-18 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 estimated useful lives of the Company’s current constellation of satellites reflect the period of expected use for each satellite. Satellites are depreciated on a straight-line basis through the date they will be replaced by Iridium NEXT satellites. Based on the current launch schedule, the Company expects Iridium NEXT satellites to begin deployment in July 2016, with the final launch expected to occur in 2017. 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. In each of the first three quarters of 2015 and throughout 2014, the Company updated its analysis of the current satellites’ remaining useful lives based on the refinement of the launch schedule and deployment plan for Iridium NEXT. As a result, the estimated useful lives of the satellites within the current constellation have been extended and are consistent with the expected deployment of Iridium NEXT. These changes in estimated useful life resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense in 2015 and 2014 by $10.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively, compared to prior years. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the reduction in depreciation expense decreased basic and diluted net loss per share by $0.01. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the reduction in depreciation expense increased basic and diluted net income per share by $0.03 and $0.02, respectively. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. 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. The Company lost communication with three of its in-orbit satellites in 2014. As a result, impairment charges totaling $2.2 million were recorded within depreciation expense during 2014. The Company replaced the lost satellites with in-orbit spares. No similar satellite loss occurred during 2013 or 2015.December 31, 2015. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed during the fourth quarter of each annual period or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed. To measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Specifically, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company operates in a single reporting unit, and the possibility of impairment is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value. The most recent annual assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets was performed on October 1, 2015 (the “2015 Analysis”). Historically, the Company has determined the estimated fair value of the reporting unit based on a combination of the market approach using comparable public companies (guideline company method) and the income approach using discounted cash flows. These valuation techniques have involved the use of estimates and assumptions. However, as a result of a decrease in the Company’s stock price and related market capitalization (one-year low) around the test date of the 2015 Analysis, management determined that the Company’s market capitalization represented the best estimate of fair value of the reporting unit as of the test date. Upon completion of step one of the 2015 Analysis, we determined the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value as a result of a decrease in our stock price and related market capitalization. The Company performed a step two analysis to compare the carrying amount of goodwill to the implied fair value of that goodwill where we determined the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities of our single reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill for our single reporting unit was determined in the same manner as utilized to recognize goodwill in a business combination. The implied fair value of goodwill was measured as the excess of the fair value of our single reporting unit over the fair value of its assets and liabilities. As a result of the step two test, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $87.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2015. We did not record an impairment of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization A portion of the Company’s intangible assets are spectrum, regulatory authorizations, and trade names, which are indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company reevaluates the useful life determination for these assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. If the fair value of the indefinite-lived asset is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. Based on the results of the 2015 Analysis, the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets was greater than the carrying value. As such, no impairment charge was recorded during the period. Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization The Company’s intangible assets that do have finite lives (intellectual property) 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. Asset Retirement Obligations Liabilities arising from legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are required to be measured at fair value and recorded as a liability. Upon initial recognition of a liability for retirement obligations, a company must record an asset, which is depreciated over the life of the asset to be retired. Under certain circumstances, each of the U.S. government, The Boeing Company (“Boeing”), and Motorola Solutions, Inc. (“Motorola Solutions”) has the right to require the de-orbit of the Company’s satellite constellation. One such right the U.S. government holds is to require the Company to de-orbit the satellite constellation at any time after January 1, 2015. In the event the Company was required to effect a mass de-orbit, pursuant to the amended and restated operations and maintenance agreement (the “O&M Agreement”) by and between the Company and Boeing, the Company would be required to pay Boeing $18.4 million, plus an amount equivalent to the premium for mass de-orbit insurance coverage payable to the insurer ($2.5 million as of December 31, 2015). The Company has concluded that each of the foregoing de-orbit rights meets the definition of an asset retirement obligation. However, the Company currently does not believe the U.S. government, Boeing or Motorola Solutions will exercise their respective de-orbit rights. As a result, the Company believes the likelihood of any future cash outflows associated with the mass de-orbit obligation is remote and has recorded an asset retirement obligation with respect to the potential mass de-orbit of approximately $0.2 million at December 31, 2015, which is included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. There are other circumstances in which the Company could be required, either by the U.S. government or for technical reasons, to de-orbit an individual satellite; however, the Company believes that such costs would not be significant relative to the costs associated with the ordinary operations of the satellite constellation. 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. 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 services are performed or delivery has occurred, evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable, as follows: Contracts with multiple elements At times, the Company sells services and equipment through multi-element arrangements that bundle equipment, airtime and other services. For multi-element revenue arrangements when the Company sells services and equipment in bundled arrangements and determines that it has separate units of accounting, the Company allocates the bundled contract price among the various contract deliverables based on each deliverable’s relative selling price. The selling price used for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence when available, third-party evidence when vendor-specific objective evidence is not available, or the estimated selling price when neither vendor-specific evidence nor third party evidence is available. The Company determines vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price by assessing sales prices of subscriber equipment, airtime and other services when they are sold to customers on a stand-alone basis. The Company’s determination of best estimate of selling price is consistent with its determination of vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price and the Company assesses qualitative and quantitative market factors and entity-specific factors when estimating the selling price. When the Company determines the elements are not separate units of accounting, the Company recognizes revenue on a combined basis as the last element is delivered. 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 ratably over the 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. The Company recognizes revenue from the prepaid services upon the use of the e-voucher or prepaid card by the customer or upon the expiration of the right to access the prepaid service. In September 2012, the Company communicated a new expiration policy with respect to prepaid e-vouchers, effective December 2013. While the terms of prepaid e-vouchers can be extended by the purchase of additional e-vouchers, prepaid e-vouchers may not be extended beyond the new limits of three or four years, dependent on the initial expiry period when purchased. The Company does not offer refunds for unused prepaid services. 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. 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 the Defense Information Systems Agency (“DISA”). The EMSS contract, entered into in April 2008, provided for a one-year base term and four additional one-year options which were exercised at the election of the U.S. government. Under the terms of this contract, the Company provided airtime to U.S. government subscribers through (i) fixed monthly fees on a per-user basis for unlimited voice services, (ii) fixed monthly fees per user for unlimited paging services, (iii) a tiered pricing plan (based on usage) per device for data services, (iv) fixed monthly fees on a per-user basis for unlimited beyond-line-of-sight push-to-talk voice services to user-defined groups (“Netted Iridium”), and (v) a monthly fee for active user-defined groups using Netted Iridium. Revenue related to these services was recognized ratably over the periods in which the services were provided, and the related costs were expensed as incurred. After the exercise of all available optional contract extensions, the EMSS contract as signed in April 2008 expired in October 2013. Effective October 22, 2013, the Company executed a new five-year EMSS contract, managed by DISA. Under the terms of this new agreement, authorized customers continue to utilize airtime services, provided through the U.S. Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) dedicated gateway. These services include unlimited global secure and unsecure voice, low and high-speed data, paging, broadcast and Netted Iridium services for an unlimited number of DoD and other federal subscribers. The fixed-price rates in each of the five contract years, which run from October 22 through the following October 21 of each year, are $64 million and $72 million in years one and two, respectively, and $88 million in each of the years three through five. 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. 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 these services is recorded when the services are rendered, typically on a partial performance method of accounting based on the Company’s estimate of total costs expected to complete the contract, and the related costs are expensed as incurred. 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. Warranty Expense The Company provides the first end-user purchaser of its subscriber equipment a warranty for one to five years from the date of purchase by such first end-user, depending on the product. The Company maintains a warranty reserve based on historical experience of warranty costs and expected occurrences of warranty claims on equipment. Costs associated with warranties, including equipment replacements, repair

Cash and Cash Equivalents and M

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities	3. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Cash and Cash Equivalents The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Recurring Fair 2015 2014 Value Measurement (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 67,005 $ 86,792 Money market funds 118,660 105,497 Level 1 Commercial paper — 18,960 Level 2 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 185,665 $ 211,249 Marketable Securities The following table summarizes the Company’s marketable securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: As of December 31, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated Recurring Fair Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Value Measurement (in thousands) Fixed-income debt securities $ 181,636 $ 4 $ (200 ) $ 181,440 Level 2 Commercial paper 9,821 — (1 ) 9,820 Level 2 U.S. Treasury notes 12,079 — (10 ) 12,069 Level 2 Total marketable securities $ 203,536 $ 4 $ (211 ) $ 203,329 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated Recurring Fair Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Value Measurement (in thousands) Fixed-income debt securities $ 168,960 $ 397 $ (314 ) $ 169,043 Level 2 Commercial paper 78,915 — — $ 78,915 Level 2 U.S. Treasury notes 13,127 53 (2 ) $ 13,178 Level 2 Total marketable securities $ 261,002 $ 450 $ (316 ) $ 261,136 The following table presents the contractual maturities of the fixed income debt securities, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury notes held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: As of December 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Cost Value Cost Value (in thousands) (in thousands) Mature within one year $ 169,728 $ 169,619 $ 177,011 $ 177,145 Mature after one year and within three years 33,808 33,710 83,991 83,991 Total $ 203,536 $ 203,329 $ 261,002 $ 261,136 The decrease in marketable securities from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 is due to the Company selling some of its investments during 2015 and utilizing the proceeds to support the construction of Iridium NEXT.

Equity Transactions and Instrum

Equity Transactions and Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity Transactions and Instruments	4. Equity Transactions and Instruments $11.50 Warrants On September 29, 2009, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Iridium Holdings LLC, the Company issued warrants, each of which entitled the holder to purchase from the Company one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On February 14, 2015, all of the outstanding and unexercised warrants expired in accordance with their terms. 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 remain undesignated and unissued as of December 31, 2015. 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. The Company received proceeds of $96.5 million from the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock, net of the aggregate $3.5 million in initial purchaser discount and offering costs. The net proceeds of this offering are being used to partially fund the construction and deployment of Iridium NEXT and for other general corporate purposes. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 7.00% per annum of the $100 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $7.00 per share). Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. The Series A Preferred Stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock and on parity with the Company’s 6.75% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in other specified circumstances. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock may convert some or all of their outstanding Series A Preferred Stock at an initial conversion rate of 10.6022 shares of common stock per $100 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.43 per share of common stock (subject to adjustment in certain events). In 2015 and 2014, the Company paid $7.0 million in cash dividends to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had accrued $0.3 million in cash dividends for the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, which is included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. On or after October 3, 2017, the Company may, at its option, convert some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock into the number of shares of common stock that are issuable at the then-applicable conversion rate, subject to specified conditions. On or prior to October 3, 2017, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have a special right to convert some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock into shares of common stock in the event of fundamental changes described in the Certificate of Designations for the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to specified conditions and limitations. In certain circumstances, the Company may also elect to settle conversions in cash as a result of these fundamental changes. Series B Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock In May 2014, the Company issued 500,000 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $250 per share. The purchase price received by the Company, equal to $242.50 per share, reflected an underwriting discount of $7.50 per share. The Company received proceeds of $120.8 million from the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, net of the $3.8 million underwriting discount and $0.4 million of offering costs. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 6.75% per annum of the $250 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $16.875 per share). Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. The Series B Preferred Stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. The Series B Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock and pari passu with respect to the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the Company’s voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if the Company fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in other specified circumstances. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock may convert some or all of their outstanding Series B Preferred Stock at an initial conversion rate of 33.456 shares of common stock per $250 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $7.47 per share of common stock (subject to adjustment in certain events). In 2015 and 2014, the Company paid cash dividends of $8.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, to the holders of Series B Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had accrued $0.4 million in cash dividends for the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, which is included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. On or after May 15, 2019, the Company may, at its option, convert some or all of the Series B Preferred Stock into the number of shares of common stock that are issuable at the then-applicable conversion rate, subject to specified conditions. On or prior to May 15, 2019, in the event of certain specified fundamental changes, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to convert some or all of their shares of Series B Preferred Stock into the greater of (i) a number of shares of the Company’s common stock as subject to adjustment plus the make-whole premium, if any, and (ii) a number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the lesser of (a) the liquidation preference divided by the market value of the Company’s common stock on the effective date of such fundamental change and (b) 81.9672 (subject to adjustment). In certain circumstances, the Company may elect to cash settle any conversions in connection with a fundamental change. Common Stock Registered Direct Public Offering In May 2014, the Company issued 7,692,308 shares of its common stock in a registered direct public offering to certain investment funds affiliated with Baron Capital Group Inc. (“Baron”) at a price of $6.50 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $50.0 million. The Company received proceeds of $49.9 million from the sale of the common stock to Baron, net of offering costs of $0.1 million. Under the stock purchase agreement entered into with Baron, Baron was entitled to receive additional shares if, during the 90-day period following the date of the stock purchase agreement, the Company issued or sold securities below specified prices. As a result of the Company’s public offering of common stock, described below, and its public offering of Series B Preferred Stock, described above, the Company delivered 504,413 additional shares of common stock to Baron on August 6, 2014. Underwritten Public Offering Concurrently with its public offering of Series B Preferred Stock in May 2014, the Company issued 8,483,608 shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering, including 1,106,558 shares upon the underwriters’ exercise of their overallotment option in full, at a price to the public of $6.10 per share. The Company received proceeds of $49.0 million, net of $2.6 million of underwriting discount and $0.2 million of offering costs. The net proceeds of these common stock offerings and the Series B Preferred Stock offering are being used to partially fund the construction and deployment of Iridium NEXT and for other general corporate purposes.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	5. Debt Credit Facility In October 2010, the Company entered into a $1.8 billion credit facility with a syndicate of bank lenders, which was amended and restated in May 2014 (as further amended to date, the “Credit Facility”). Ninety-five percent of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility are insured by Compagnie Française d’Assurance pour le Commerce Extérieur (“COFACE”), the French export credit agency. The Credit Facility is comprised of two tranches, with draws and repayments applied pro rata in respect of each tranche: · Tranche A – $1,537,500,000 at a fixed rate of 4.96%; and · Tranche B – $262,500,000 at a floating rate equal to the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.95%. Interest is payable on a semi-annual basis in April and October of each year. Prior to the repayment period described below, a portion of interest will be paid via a deemed loan and added to the related tranche principal, and the remainder is payable in cash. The amount of interest paid via a deemed loan for each tranche is as follows: · Tranche A – fixed rate of 3.56%; and · Tranche B – LIBOR plus 0.55%. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred total interest of $64.6 million, $50.8 million and $39.6 million, respectively, of which $44.9 million, $35.3 million and $27.5 million, respectively, is payable via a deemed loan and the remainder is payable in cash on the scheduled semi-annual payment dates. In connection with each draw it makes under the Credit Facility, the Company also borrows an amount equal to 6.49% of such draw to cover the premium for the COFACE insurance policy. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.80% per year, in semi-annual installments, on any undrawn portion of the Credit Facility. Funds drawn under the Credit Facility will be used to pay for (i) 85% of the costs under a fixed price full scale development contract (the “FSD”) with Thales Alenia Space France (“Thales”) for the design and manufacture of satellites for Iridium NEXT until the Credit Facility is fully drawn (ii) the premium for the COFACE policy, and (iii) the payment of a portion of interest during a part of the construction and launch phase of Iridium NEXT. Scheduled semi-annual principal repayments will begin six months after the earlier of (i) the successful deployment of a specified number of Iridium NEXT satellites or (ii) September 30, 2017. During this repayment period, interest will be paid on the same date as the principal repayments. All interest costs incurred related to the Credit Facility have been capitalized during the construction period of the assets. During the construction period, the Company pays interest on each semi-annual due date through a combination of a cash payment and a deemed additional loan. The following table presents interest activity for the Credit Facility for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 payable via cash or deemed loan: 2015 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 2,936 $ 6,653 $ 9,589 Interest incurred 19,662 44,934 64,596 Interest payments (18,878 ) (43,073 ) (61,951 ) Ending interest payable $ 3,720 $ 8,514 $ 12,234 2014 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 2,446 $ 5,543 $ 7,989 Interest incurred 15,499 35,257 50,756 Interest payments (15,009 ) (34,147 ) (49,156 ) Ending interest payable $ 2,936 $ 6,653 $ 9,589 As of December 31, 2015, the Company had borrowed a total of $1,521.8 million under the Credit Facility. The unused portion of the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2015 was $278.2 million. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain a minimum cash reserve for debt service of $91.0 million as of December 31, 2015, which is classified as restricted cash on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized the semi-annual commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the Credit Facility of $3.3 million, $5.8 million and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Credit Facility will mature seven years after the start of the repayment period. In addition, the Company is required to maintain minimum debt service reserve levels of $113.0 million in 2016 and $189.0 million thereafter. These levels may be higher once the Company begins repayment under the Credit Facility. Obligations under the Credit Facility are secured on a senior basis by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets. In addition to the minimum debt service reserve levels, financial covenants under the Credit Facility include: · an available cash balance of at least $25 million; · a debt-to-equity ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of total net debt to the aggregate of total net debt and total stockholders’ equity, of no more than 0.7 to 1, measured each June 30 and December 31; · specified maximum levels of annual capital expenditures (excluding expenditures on the construction of Iridium NEXT satellites) through the year ending December 31, 2024; · specified minimum levels of consolidated operational earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or operational EBITDA, for the 12-month periods ending each December 31 and June 30 through December 31, 2017; · specified minimum cumulative cash flow requirements from customers who have hosted payloads on our satellites, measured each December 31 and June 30, from June 30, 2016 through December 31, 2017; · a debt service coverage ratio, measured during the repayment period, of not less than 1 to 1.5; and · specified maximum leverage levels during the repayment period that decline from a ratio of 4.73 to 1 for the twelve months ending June 30, 2018 to a ratio of 2.36 to 1 for the twelve months ending December 31, 2024. The Company’s available cash balance, as defined by the Credit Facility, was $218.8 million as of December 31, 2015. The Company’s debt-to-equity ratio was 0.52 to 1 as of December 31, 2015. The Company was in compliance with the operational EBITDA covenant and the annual capital expenditure covenant as of December 31, 2015. The covenants regarding capital expenditures, operational EBITDA and hosted payload cash flows are calculated in connection with a measurement, which the Company refers to as available cure amount, that is derived using a complex calculation based on overall cash flows, as adjusted by numerous measures specified in the Credit Facility. In a period in which the Company’s capital expenditures exceed, or the Company’s operational EBITDA or hosted payload cash flows falls short of, the amount specified in the respective covenant, the Company would be permitted to allocate available cure amount, if any, to prevent a breach of the applicable covenant. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had an available cure amount of $3.5 million, though it was not required to maintain compliance with the covenants. The available cure amount has fluctuated significantly from one measurement period to the next, and the Company expects that it will continue to do so. The covenants also place limitations on the Company’s ability and that of its subsidiaries to carry out mergers and acquisitions, dispose of assets, grant security interests, declare, make or pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates, fund payments under the FSD with Thales from its own resources, incur additional indebtedness, or make loans, guarantees or indemnities. If the Company is not in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Facility, after any opportunity to cure such non-compliance, or the Company otherwise experiences an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may require repayment in full of all principal and interest outstanding under the Credit Facility. It is unlikely the Company would have adequate funds to repay such amounts prior to the scheduled maturity of the Credit Facility. If the Company fails to repay such amounts, the lenders may foreclose on the assets the Company has pledged under the Credit Facility, which include substantially all of its assets and those of its domestic subsidiaries. As amended, the Credit Facility also delays, until 2017, a total of $54.0 million in contributions that the Company had previously been scheduled to make during 2015 and 2016 to the debt service reserve account that the Company is required to maintain under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2015, the minimum cash reserve for debt service was $91.0 million and was maintained and classified as restricted cash on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company believes that liquidity sources will provide sufficient funds for the Company to meet its liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Boeing Operations and Maintenan

Boeing Operations and Maintenance Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Boeing Operations And Maintenance Agreements [Abstract]
Boeing Operations and Maintenance Agreements	6. Boeing Operations and Maintenance Agreements On July 21, 2010, the Company and Boeing entered into the O&M Agreement, pursuant to which Boeing agreed to provide continuing steady-state operations and maintenance services with respect to the satellite network operations center, telemetry, tracking and control stations and the in-orbit satellites (including engineering, systems analysis, and operations and maintenance services) for the Company’s current satellite constellation. Pursuant to the O&M Agreement, each of Boeing, Motorola Solutions and the U.S. government has the unilateral right to commence the de-orbit of the Company’s current constellation upon the occurrence of certain enumerated events. The O&M Agreement incorporates a mass de-orbit plan for the current satellite constellation, which, if exercised, would cost approximately $18.4 million to be paid to Boeing, plus an amount equivalent to the premium of the mass de-orbit insurance coverage to be paid to the insurer. On July 21, 2010, the Company and Boeing entered into an agreement pursuant to which Boeing will operate and maintain Iridium NEXT (the “Iridium NEXT Support Services Agreement”). On January 1, 2015, Boeing began supporting a hybrid operations mode involving network elements from both the current Iridium constellation and the Iridium NEXT system. Boeing will provide these services on a time-and-materials fee basis. Obligations to Boeing represent the not to exceed (“NTE”) price for services under the Iridium NEXT Support Services Agreement. Annually, the Company and Boeing will agree upon the NTE price for the following year. Boeing is the exclusive provider for the majority of operations and maintenance services through the end of the Iridium NEXT useful life, subject to the Company’s right to issue work to a third party in accordance with certain provisions in the agreement. The Company is entitled to terminate the Iridium NEXT Support Services Agreement for convenience and without cause commencing in 2019. The Company incurred expenses of $29.5 million, $30.7 million and $30.1 million relating to satellite operations and maintenance costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, included in cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	7. Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Satellite system $ 323,607 $ 323,607 Ground system 41,629 41,365 Equipment 30,189 26,961 Internally developed software and purchased software 116,960 95,406 Building and leasehold improvements 31,589 29,980 543,974 517,319 Less: accumulated depreciation (385,860 ) (339,155 ) 158,114 178,164 Land 8,037 8,037 Construction in process: Iridium NEXT systems under construction 2,252,290 1,755,974 Other construction in process 25,126 29,664 Total property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 2,443,567 $ 1,971,839 Other construction in process consisted of the following at December 31: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Internally developed software $ 7,708 $ 20,779 Equipment 1,981 859 Ground system 15,143 7,862 Building and leasehold improvements 294 164 Total other construction in process $ 25,126 $ 29,664 Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $51.0 million, $62.7 million and $62.0 million, respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	8. Intangible Assets The Company has identifiable intangible assets as follows: December 31, 2015 Useful Gross Accumulated Net Lives Carrying Amortization Carrying (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 19.5 years 16,439 (5,075 ) 11,364 Total 16,439 (5,075 ) 11,364 Total intangible assets $ 51,664 $ (5,075 ) $ 46,589 December 31, 2014 Useful Gross Accumulated Net Lives Carrying Amortization Carrying (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 16.5 years 16,439 (4,248 ) 12,191 Total 16,439 (4,248 ) 12,191 Total intangible assets $ 51,664 $ (4,248 ) $ 47,416 We evaluated the useful life of the remaining definite-lived intangible assets in 2015 to reflect the refinement of the Iridium NEXT launch schedule and deployment plan. This resulted in a change in the weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets to 19.5 years for the year ended December 31, 2015 from 16.5 years for the year ended December 31, 2014. Amortization expense was $0.8 million, $10.0 million and $13.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Future amortization expense with respect to intangible assets existing at December 31, 2015, by year and in the aggregate, is as follows: Year ending December 31, Amount (In thousands) 2016 $ 797 2017 797 2018 797 2019 797 2020 797 Thereafter 7,379 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 11,364

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	9. Commitments and Contingencies Thales In June 2010, the Company executed a primarily fixed-price FSD with Thales for the design and build of satellites for Iridium NEXT, the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation. The total price under the FSD is $2.3 billion, and the Company expects payment obligations under the FSD to extend into the first quarter of 2018. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had made aggregate payments of $1,537.1 million to Thales, of which $1,303.1 million were from borrowings under the Credit Facility and were capitalized as construction in progress within property and equipment, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s obligations to Thales that are currently scheduled for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are in the amounts of $473.7 million, $177.6 million and $64.7 million, respectively. The Company currently uses the Credit Facility to pay 85% of each invoice received from Thales under the FSD, with the remaining 15% funded from cash on hand. Once the Credit Facility is fully drawn, which is expected to occur in late 2016, the Company expects to pay 100% of each invoice received from Thales from cash and marketable securities on hand as well as internally generated cash flow, including contracted cash flows from hosted payloads and potential cash flows from Iridium PRIME. SpaceX In March 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”) to secure SpaceX as the primary launch services provider for Iridium NEXT (as amended to date, the “SpaceX Agreement”). The total price under the SpaceX Agreement for seven launches and a reflight option in the event of launch failure is $468.1 million. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had made aggregate payments of $315.3 million to SpaceX, which were capitalized as construction in progress within property and equipment, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Company made a $3.0 million refundable deposit to SpaceX in the first quarter of 2014 for the reservation of additional future launches, which is not included in the total contract price. The Company's obligations to SpaceX currently scheduled for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2017 are $108.6 million and $44.2 million, respectively. Kosmotras In June 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with International Space Company Kosmotras (“Kosmotras”) as a supplemental launch service provider for Iridium NEXT (the “Kosmotras Agreement”). The Kosmotras Agreement originally provided for the purchase of up to six launches with options to purchase additional launches. Each launch can carry two satellites. In June 2013, the Company exercised an option for one launch to carry two Iridium NEXT satellites. If the Company does not exercise any additional options, the total cost under the contract including this single launch will be $51.8 million. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had made aggregate payments of $36.8 million to Kosmotras, which were capitalized within property and equipment, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The option to purchase two dedicated launches expired as of December 31, 2013, and in June 2015, the Company agreed with Kosmotras to replace the remaining options with a new set of options to purchase up to six dedicated launches. The Company's obligations to Kosmotras currently scheduled for the year ending December 31, 2016 is $15.0 million. Supplier Purchase Commitments The Company has a manufacturing agreement with Benchmark. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company may be required to purchase certain materials 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 devices. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $2.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of such materials, and the amounts were included in inventory on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s obligation to Benchmark for the year ending December 31, 2016 is $4.9 million. As of December 31, 2015, remaining unconditional purchase obligations were $48.2 million, which include the Company’s commitments with Boeing. The Boeing obligations represent the NTE price for O&M services for 2016 under the Iridium NEXT Support Services Agreement with Boeing. Boeing is the exclusive provider for the majority of O&M services through the end of the Iridium NEXT useful life subject to the Company’s right to issue work to a third party in accordance with certain provisions in the agreement. Annually, Boeing and the Company will agree upon the NTE price for that year. Unconditional purchase obligations scheduled for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are $46.5 million, $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, which include the Company’s commitments with Boeing. In-Orbit Insurance Due to various contractual requirements, the Company is required to maintain a third-party liability in-orbit insurance policy on its current constellation with a de-orbiting endorsement to cover potential claims relating to operating or de-orbiting the satellite constellation or individual satellites. The policy covers the Company, Boeing as operator, Motorola Solutions (the original system architect and prior owner), contractors and subcontractors of the insured, the U.S. government and certain other sovereign nations. The current policy has a renewable one-year term, which is scheduled to expire on December 8, 2016. The policy coverage is separated into Sections A, B, and C. Section A coverage is currently in effect and covers product liability over Motorola’s position as manufacturer of the current satellites. Liability limits for claims under Section A are $1.0 billion per occurrence and in the aggregate. There is no deductible for claims. Section B coverage is currently in effect and covers risks in connection with in-orbit satellites and for the de-orbit of individual satellites. Liability limits for claims under Section B are $500 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for space vehicle liability and $500 million and $1.0 billion per occurrence and in the aggregate, respectively, with respect to de-orbiting. The balance of the unamortized premium payment for Sections A and B coverage as of December 31, 2015 is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The deductible for claims under Section B is $250,000 per occurrence. Section C coverage is effective once requested by the Company (the “Attachment Date”) and covers risks in connection with a mass decommissioning of the satellite system. Liability limits for claims under Section C are $500 million and $1.0 billion per occurrence and in the aggregate, respectively. The term of the coverage under Section C is 12 months from the Attachment Date. The premium for Section C coverage is $2.5 million and is payable on or before the Attachment Date. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had not requested Section C coverage since no mass decommissioning activities are currently anticipated. The deductible for claims under Section C is $250,000 per occurrence. Operating Leases The Company leases land, office space, and office and computer equipment under noncancelable operating lease agreements. Most of the leases contain renewal options of 1 to 10 years. The Company’s obligations under the current terms of these leases extend through 2026. Additionally, several of the Company’s leases contain clauses for rent escalation including, but not limited to, a pro-rata share of increased operating and real estate tax expenses. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company leases facilities located in Chandler, Arizona; Tempe, Arizona; McLean, Virginia; Canada; Russia; and Norway. Future minimum lease payments, by year and in the aggregate, under noncancelable operating leases at December 31, 2015, are as follows: Operating Year ending December 31, Leases (In thousands) 2016 $ 3,236 2017 3,437 2018 3,524 2019 3,614 2020 3,705 Thereafter 15,940 Total $ 33,456 Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $3.4 million, $3.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Contingencies The Company is not aware of any actions that it expects to have a material adverse impact on its business, financial results or financial condition.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	10. Stock-Based Compensation During 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) to provide stock-based awards, including nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock and other equity securities, as incentives and rewards for employees, consultants and non-employee directors. As of December 31, 2015, 23,203,009 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance as awards under the 2015 Plan. Stock Option Awards 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. The stock option awards granted to the Company’s board of directors generally (i) represent a portion of their annual compensation, (ii) have a term of ten years, (iii) vest over the calendar year with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter, (iv) are contingent upon continued service on the vesting date, and (v) have an exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying shares at the date of grant. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility for options granted was based on the actual historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The expected term of the award was calculated using the simplified method as the Company currently does not have sufficient experience of its own option exercise patterns. The Company does not anticipate paying dividends during the expected term of the grants; therefore, the dividend rate was assumed to be zero. The risk-free interest rate assumed is based upon U.S. Treasury Bond interest rates with similar terms at similar dates. To the extent the Company’s actual forfeiture rate is different from its estimate of forfeitures, the stock-based compensation may differ in future periods. The stock options granted to consultants are generally subject to service vesting and vest quarterly over a two-year service period. The fair value of the consultant options is the then-current fair value attributable to the vesting portions of the awards, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in determining the fair value of the Company’s options were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 39% - 42% 41% - 43% 41% - 42% Expected term (years) 5.25 - 10.00 5.25 - 10.00 3.00 - 6.25 Expected dividends 0% 0% 0% Risk free interest rate 1.50% - 2.35% 1.10% - 2.35% 0.58% - 1.93% During 2015, the Company granted approximately 744,000 and 30,000 stock options to its employees and non-employee consultants, respectively. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair values of the stock options granted to employees and non-employee consultants during 2015 was $2.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively. In January 2015, certain members of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of their 2015 annual compensation in the form of stock options in an aggregate amount of approximately 103,000 stock options. These options were granted in January 2015 and vested through the end of 2015, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter. In October 2015, certain members of the Company’s board of directors were granted stock options in an aggregate amount of approximately 7,500 stock options, related to their service as part of a newly created Government Advisory Committee. These options vested through the end of 2015. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of the options granted to directors in January and October 2015 was $0.4 million. During 2014, the Company granted approximately 987,000 and 45,000 stock options to its employees and non-employee consultants, respectively. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair values of the stock options granted to employees and non-employee consultants during 2014 was $3.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively. In January 2014, certain members of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of their 2014 annual compensation in the form of stock options in an aggregate amount of approximately 112,000 stock options. These options were granted in January 2014 and vested through the end of 2014, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of these options granted to directors in January 2014 was $0.3 million. In July 2014, a new member of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of his 2014 annual compensation in the form of stock options, in an aggregate amount of approximately 20,000 stock options which vested through the end of 2014, with 33% vesting immediately upon grant and 33% and 34% vesting on September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of these stock options granted in July 2014 was $0.1 million. During 2013, the Company granted approximately 1.2 million and less than 0.1 million stock options to its employees and non-employee consultants, respectively. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair values of the stock options granted to employees and non-employee consultants during 2013 was $3.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. In January 2013, certain members of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of their 2013 annual compensation in the form of stock options in an aggregate amount of approximately 68,000 stock options. These options were granted in January 2013 and vested through the end of 2013, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of the options granted to directors during 2013 was $0.2 million. A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock options for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Remaining Aggregate Exercise Price Contractual Intrinsic Shares Per Share Term (Years) Value (In thousands, except years and per share data) Options outstanding at January 1, 2015 6,671 $ 7.68 Granted 885 $ 9.25 Cancelled or expired (92 ) $ 8.66 Exercised (287 ) $ 7.87 Forfeited (57 ) $ 7.81 Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 7,120 $ 7.86 6.33 $ 3,937 Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 5,386 $ 7.86 5.67 $ 2,941 Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 7,089 $ 7.85 6.32 $ 3,917 The Company recognized $3.4 million, $4.3 million and $6.0 million of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $3.95, $2.97 and $2.60 per share, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the total unrecognized cost related to non-vested options was approximately $4.8 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. The total fair value of the shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $3.6 million, $4.6 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Restricted Stock Unit Awards In 2015, the Company granted approximately 596,000 service-based RSUs to its employees with an estimated grant date fair value of $5.6 million. Employee service-based RSUs generally vest over a four-year service period, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vesting ratably on a quarterly basis thereafter. In addition, in March 2015, the Company awarded approximately 161,000 performance-based RSUs to the Company’s executives (the “March 2015 RSUs”). The Company records stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs when it is considered probable that the performance conditions will be met. Vesting of these March 2015 RSUs is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals over fiscal years 2015 and 2016. Management believes it is probable that certain RSUs will vest. The number of March 2015 RSUs that will ultimately vest may range from 0% to 150% of the original grant based on the level of achievement of the performance goals. If the Company achieves the performance goals, 50% of the March 2015 RSUs will vest at the end of two years and the remaining 50% will vest at the end of the third year, subject to continued service. The estimated aggregate grant date fair values of the March 2015 RSUs was $1.5 million. In 2014, the Company granted approximately 786,000 service-based RSUs to its employees. Employee service-based RSUs generally vest over a four-year service period, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vesting ratably on a quarterly basis thereafter. In addition, the Company granted performance-based RSUs to its employees in 2014. The Company records stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs when it is considered probable that the performance conditions will be met. In March 2014, the Company awarded approximately 207,000 performance-based RSUs to the Company’s executives (the “March 2014 RSUs”). Vesting of these March 2014 RSUs is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals over fiscal years 2014 and 2015. Management believes it is probable that certain RSUs will vest. The number of March 2014 RSUs that will ultimately vest may range from 0% to 150% of the original grant based on the level of achievement of the performance goals. If the Company achieves the performance goals, 50% of the March 2014 RSUs will vest at the end of two years and the remaining 50% will vest at the end of the third year, subject to continued service. In June 2014, the Company awarded approximately 323,000 performance-based RSUs to its executives and employees (the “June 2014 RSUs”). Vesting of the June 2014 RSUs is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals for the 2014 fiscal year. The level of achievement, if any, of performance goals in connection with the June 2014 RSUs will be determined by the compensation committee. The Company expects this determination to occur in the first quarter of 2015. The estimated aggregate grant date fair values of the March 2014 RSUs and June 2014 RSUs granted during 2014 were $1.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively. In 2013, the Company granted approximately 523,000 service-based RSUs to its employees. Employee service-based RSUs generally vest over a four-year service period, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remainder vesting ratably on a quarterly basis thereafter. In March 2013, the Company awarded performance-based RSUs to the Company’s executives. The Company records stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs when it is considered probable that the performance conditions will be met. Vesting of the 2013 performance-based RSUs was dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals over a two-year measurement period. The level of achievement of performance goals in connection with the 2013 performance-based RSUs was determined by the compensation committee in March 2015. Approximately 69,000 of the 2103 performance-based RSUs were vested and released in March 2015 at an estimated aggregate fair value of $0.4 million, and the remaining 69,000 will vest at the end of March 2016. Certain members of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of their 2015 annual compensation in the form of RSUs. During 2015, the Company granted approximately 77,000 RSUs to its directors as a result of these elections. Of the 77,000 RSUs, 62,000 RSUs were granted in January 2015 and vested through the end of 2015, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter, and 15,000 RSUs were granted in July 2015 and vested through the end of 2015, with 33% vesting immediately upon grant and 33% and 34% vesting on September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of the RSUs granted to directors during 2015 was $0.7 million. Certain members of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of their 2014 annual compensation in the form of RSUs. During 2014, the Company granted approximately 108,000 RSUs to its directors as a result of these elections. These RSUs were granted in January 2014 and vested through the end of 2014, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of the RSUs granted to directors during 2014 was $0.7 million. Certain members of the Company’s board of directors elected to receive a portion of their 2013 annual compensation in the form of RSUs. During 2013, the Company granted approximately 112,000 RSUs to its directors as a result of these elections. These RSUs were granted in January 2013 and vested through the end of 2013, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter. The estimated aggregate grant-date fair value of the RSUs granted to directors during 2013 was $0.8 million. A summary of the Company’s activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 for outstanding RSUs is as follows: Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value RSUs Per RSU (In thousands) Outstanding at January 1, 2015 2,282 $ 6.80 Granted 834 $ 9.42 Forfeited (193 ) $ 7.18 Released (979 ) $ 7.06 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,944 $ 7.76 Vested at December 31, 2015 403 A summary of the Company’s activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 for unvested RSUs is as follows: Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value RSUs Per RSU (In thousands) Non-vested at January 1, 2015 1,884 $ 6.72 Granted 834 $ 9.42 Vested (984 ) $ 7.18 Forfeited (193 ) $ 7.18 Non-vested at December 31, 2015 1,541 $ 7.83 The Company recognized $6.3 million, $6.5 million and $1.7 million of stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segments, Significant Customers

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information	11. 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 23%, 21% and 20% of the Company’s total revenue in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from prime contracts or subcontracts with agencies of the U.S. government. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, no single commercial customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total revenue. Approximately 29% and 30% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was due from prime contracts or subcontracts with agencies of the U.S. government. As of December 31, 2015, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2014, one commercial customer represented 12%, and no other single 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 one manufacturer 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. A significant portion of the Company’s satellite operations and maintenance service is provided by Boeing. Should events or circumstances prevent Boeing from providing these services, the Company’s business could be adversely affected until the Company is able to assume operations and maintenance responsibilities or secure a replacement service provider. Net property and equipment by geographic area was as follows as of December 31: 2015 2014 (In thousands) United States $ 127,959 $ 137,185 Satellites in orbit 32,774 57,494 Iridium NEXT systems under construction 2,252,290 1,755,974 All others (1) 30,544 21,186 Total $ 2,443,567 $ 1,971,839 (1) No one other country represented more than 10% of property and equipment, net. Revenue by geographic area was as follows for the years ended December 31: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) United States $ 204,777 $ 194,060 $ 175,054 Canada 42,063 44,933 49,541 United Kingdom 44,012 47,093 37,421 Other countries (1) 120,526 122,471 120,633 Total $ 411,378 $ 408,557 $ 382,649 (1) No one other country 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
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	12. 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’ compensation. Company-matching contributions to the Plan were $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company pays all administrative fees related to the Plan.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) U.S. income $ 75,431 $ 115,858 $ 111,685 Foreign income (loss) (2,316 ) 594 (1,220 ) Total income before income taxes $ 73,115 $ 116,452 $ 110,465 The components of the Company’s income tax provision are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Current taxes: Federal provision (benefit) $ 1,700 $ 50 (12 ) State provision (benefit) 266 (90 ) 7 Foreign provision 650 1,260 723 Total current tax provision 2,616 1,220 718 Deferred taxes: Federal provision 54,906 40,155 39,041 State provision (benefit) 8,803 (77 ) 8,240 Foreign provision (benefit) (333 ) 165 (51 ) Total deferred tax provision 63,376 40,243 47,230 Total income tax provision $ 65,992 $ 41,463 $ 47,948 In 2011 and 2012, Arizona enacted tax law changes resulting in a benefit to the Company’s net deferred tax expense. Due to the size and nature of the Company’s operations in Arizona, such changes have a significant impact on the tax provision in a given period. As a result of these law changes, the Company’s deferred tax expense was increased by approximately $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and reduced by approximately $5.5 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax expense to the Company’s effective income tax provision is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Expected provision at U.S. federal statutory tax rate $ 25,590 $ 40,766 $ 38,668 State taxes, net of federal benefit 11,663 4,991 9,048 State tax valuation allowance (2,763 ) 380 3,151 Arizona tax law change 99 (5,525 ) (3,975 ) Impairment of goodwill 30,464 - - Other nondeductible expenses 557 903 1,185 Liability for uncertain tax positions — — (146 ) Tax credits (97 ) (994 ) (849 ) Foreign taxes and other items 479 942 866 Total income tax provision $ 65,992 $ 41,463 $ 47,948 The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets Long-term contracts $ 64,287 $ 49,207 Deferred revenue 8,312 6,357 Federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits 104,996 133,021 Other 24,603 24,571 Total deferred tax assets 202,198 213,156 Valuation allowance (4,529 ) (6,806 ) Net deferred tax assets 197,669 206,350 Deferred tax liabilities Fixed assets and intangibles (101,107 ) (95,797 ) Research and development expenditures (379,220 ) (335,833 ) Other (14,174 ) (8,753 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (494,501 ) (440,383 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (296,832 ) $ (234,033 ) 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. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had deferred tax assets related to cumulative U.S. and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $245.0 million. These net operating loss carryforwards, if unutilized, will expire in various amounts from 2016 through 2035. 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 does not expect to fully utilize all of its state net operating losses within the respective carryforward periods. The Company has decreased its state net operating loss valuation allowance by $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 to reflect the amount of losses it expects to utilize. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had deferred tax assets related to the foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $0.3 million in various jurisdictions that begin to expire in 2016. The Company does not expect to fully utilize all of its foreign net operating losses within the respective carryforward periods and as such reflects a partial valuation allowance 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 alternative minimum taxes, changes in the Company’s ownership and any limitations imposed by the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $4.7 million of deferred tax assets related to research and development tax credits that expire in various amounts from 2028 through 2035, $2.9 million of foreign tax credits which expire in various amounts from 2020 through 2025, and $3.0 million of deferred tax assets related to Alternative Minimum Tax credits which do not expire. The Company believes that the research and development credits will be fully utilized within the carryforward period. However, 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 for the year ended December 31, 2015. 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 uncertain tax positions if recognized at December 31, 2015 was $0.9 million, as compared to $1.2 million at December 31, 2014. Any changes are not anticipated to have 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, 2015 and 2014, 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 2014 remain subject to examination by tax authorities and the Company’s foreign tax returns from 2009 to 2014 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: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at January 1, $ 1,150 $ 1,259 Change attributable to tax positions taken in a prior period 50 (51 ) Change attributable to final assessment (311 ) - Change attributable to tax positions taken in the current period 29 8 Decrease attributable to lapse of statute of limitations (2 ) (66 ) Balance at December 31, $ 916 $ 1,150

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	14. Net Income (Loss) Per Share The computations of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are set forth below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ (8,313 ) $ 62,669 $ 55,517 Dividends on Series A Preferred Stock - 7,000 7,000 Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock - 5,320 - Numerator for diluted net income per share $ (8,313 ) $ 74,989 $ 62,517 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 95,097 88,080 76,909 Dilutive effect of stock options - 85 - Dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares - - - Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock - 10,602 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B Preferred Stock - 10,633 - Denominator for diluted net income per share 95,097 109,400 87,511 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ (0.09 ) $ 0.71 $ 0.72 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ (0.09 ) $ 0.69 $ 0.71 For the year ended December 31, 2015, 1.3 million unvested RSUs were not included in the computation of basic net loss per share. Due to the Company's loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, all potential common stock equivalents are anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2014, warrants to purchase 0.3 million shares of common stock and options to purchase 3.6 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2014, 1.3 million unvested RSUs were not included in the computation of basic net income per share and excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share. In January 2015, the Company granted approximately 0.2 million stock options and 0.1 million RSUs to employees and members of the Company’s board of directors. These grants could have dilutive effects on net income per share in future periods. For the year ended December 31, 2013, warrants to purchase 0.4 million shares of common stock and options to purchase 5.2 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2013, 0.9 million unvested RSUs were not included in the computation of basic net income per share and excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share.

Selected Quarterly Information

Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	15. Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) The following represents the Company’s unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2015 2015 2015 2015 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 97,007 $ 101,919 $ 106,034 $ 106,418 Operating income (loss) (1) $ 33,473 $ 42,334 $ 46,539 $ (48,543 ) Net income (loss) $ 21,019 $ 25,988 $ 29,547 $ (69,431 ) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ 0.18 $ 0.23 $ 0.27 $ (0.77 ) Net income (loss) per common share -diluted $ 0.17 $ 0.21 $ 0.24 $ (0.77 ) (1) Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2014 2014 2014 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 98,032 $ 102,521 $ 107,493 $ 100,511 Operating income $ 28,344 $ 29,713 $ 33,013 $ 31,841 Net income $ 16,543 $ 15,019 $ 20,388 $ 23,039 Net income per common share - basic $ 0.19 $ 0.14 $ 0.18 $ 0.20 Net income per common share -diluted $ 0.19 $ 0.14 $ 0.17 $ 0.19 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.

Significant Accounting Polici22

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification and issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendment requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. In addition, the amendment requires companies to no longer allocate valuation allowances between current and noncurrent deferred tax assets because those allowances also will be classified as noncurrent. For publicly traded business entities, the guidance is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted and the guidance may be adopted on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company has elected to early adopt the guidance for the year ended December 31, 2015 and has applied the guidance on a prospective basis. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Had the Company adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2014, the impact on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 would have been the reclassification of $11.0 million from current deferred income tax assets, net to non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net, which would have resulted in an ending balance of $234.0 million in non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net as of December 31, 2014.
Recent Accounting Developments	Recent Accounting Developments In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest: Imputation of Interest The adoption will have no impact on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity or cash flows. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory
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.
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. The instruments identified as subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis are cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. 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 carrying values of short-term financial instruments (primarily cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The fair value of the Company’s investments in money market funds approximates its carrying value; such instruments are classified as Level 1 and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the Company’s investments in commercial paper and short-term U.S. agency securities with original maturities of less than ninety days approximates their carrying value; such instruments are classified as Level 2 and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the Company’s investments in fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with original maturities of greater than ninety days are obtained using similar investments traded on active securities exchanges and are classified as Level 2. For fixed income securities that do not have quoted prices in active markets, the Company uses third-party vendors to price its debt securities resulting in classification as Level 2. All fixed-income securities are included in marketable securities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
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, marketable securities, and receivables. The majority of cash is swept nightly into a money market fund invested in 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 (FDIC) limits. The Company’s marketable securities are highly-rated corporate and foreign fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with an original maturity in excess of ninety days. 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, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 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. The Company is required to maintain a minimum cash reserve for debt service related to its $1.8 billion loan facility (the “Credit Facility”). As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s restricted cash balance, which includes a minimum cash reserve for debt service related to the Credit Facility and the interest earned on these amounts, was $91.0 million and $86.1 million, respectively. For further discussion on the cash reserve for debt service related to the Credit Facility, see the Commitments and Contingencies footnote below.
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities Marketable securities consist of fixed-income debt securities and commercial paper with an original maturity in excess of ninety days. These investments are classified as available-for-sale and are included in marketable securities within current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All investments are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, are reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of the marketable securities sold. There were no material realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of its investments to identify other-than-temporary declines in value. The Company determined that any decline in fair value of these investments is temporary as the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis.
Accounts Receivable	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 $0.6 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Foreign Currencies	Foreign Currencies 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.
Internally Developed Software	Internally Developed Software The Company capitalizes the costs of acquiring, developing and testing software to meet its internal needs. Capitalization of costs associated with software obtained or developed for internal use commences when the preliminary project stage is complete and it is probable that the project will be completed and used to perform the function intended. Capitalized costs include only (i) external direct cost of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software and (ii) payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with, and devote time to, the internal-use software project. Capitalization of such costs ceases no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Internal use software costs are amortized once the software is placed in service using the straight-line method over periods ranging from three to seven years.
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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had deferred approximately $133.1 million and $136.4 million, respectively, of direct and incremental financing costs, net of amortization, associated with securing debt financing for Iridium NEXT, the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation.
Capitalized Interest	Capitalized Interest Interest costs associated with financing the Company’s assets during the construction period of Iridium NEXT have been capitalized. Capitalized interest costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $83.1 million, $62.0 million and $52.1 million, respectively.
Inventory	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 market. Accordingly, the Company recorded expenses of $0.7 million, $0.9 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, included within the cost of subscriber equipment for excess and obsolete inventory. The amount for the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily related to Iridium OpenPort equipment and the amounts for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are primarily related to Iridium 9505 handset accessories. The Company has a manufacturing agreement with Benchmark Electronics Inc.
Stock-Based Compensation	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 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 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Property and equipment, net $ 998 $ 1,176 Inventory 48 83 Cost of subscriber equipment 135 152 Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 721 824 Research and development 221 312 Selling, general and administrative 7,526 8,313 Total stock-based compensation $ 9,649 $ 10,860
Property and Equipment	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 15-18 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 estimated useful lives of the Company’s current constellation of satellites reflect the period of expected use for each satellite. Satellites are depreciated on a straight-line basis through the date they will be replaced by Iridium NEXT satellites. Based on the current launch schedule, the Company expects Iridium NEXT satellites to begin deployment in July 2016, with the final launch expected to occur in 2017. 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. In each of the first three quarters of 2015 and throughout 2014, the Company updated its analysis of the current satellites’ remaining useful lives based on the refinement of the launch schedule and deployment plan for Iridium NEXT. As a result, the estimated useful lives of the satellites within the current constellation have been extended and are consistent with the expected deployment of Iridium NEXT. These changes in estimated useful life resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense in 2015 and 2014 by $10.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively, compared to prior years. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the reduction in depreciation expense decreased basic and diluted net loss per share by $0.01. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the reduction in depreciation expense increased basic and diluted net income per share by $0.03 and $0.02, respectively. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
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. The Company lost communication with three of its in-orbit satellites in 2014. As a result, impairment charges totaling $2.2 million were recorded within depreciation expense during 2014. The Company replaced the lost satellites with in-orbit spares. No similar satellite loss occurred during 2013 or 2015.December 31, 2015.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of businesses over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed during the fourth quarter of each annual period or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed. To measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Specifically, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company operates in a single reporting unit, and the possibility of impairment is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value. The most recent annual assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets was performed on October 1, 2015 (the “2015 Analysis”). Historically, the Company has determined the estimated fair value of the reporting unit based on a combination of the market approach using comparable public companies (guideline company method) and the income approach using discounted cash flows. These valuation techniques have involved the use of estimates and assumptions. However, as a result of a decrease in the Company’s stock price and related market capitalization (one-year low) around the test date of the 2015 Analysis, management determined that the Company’s market capitalization represented the best estimate of fair value of the reporting unit as of the test date. Upon completion of step one of the 2015 Analysis, we determined the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value as a result of a decrease in our stock price and related market capitalization. The Company performed a step two analysis to compare the carrying amount of goodwill to the implied fair value of that goodwill where we determined the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities of our single reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill for our single reporting unit was determined in the same manner as utilized to recognize goodwill in a business combination. The implied fair value of goodwill was measured as the excess of the fair value of our single reporting unit over the fair value of its assets and liabilities. As a result of the step two test, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $87.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2015. We did not record an impairment of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization A portion of the Company’s intangible assets are spectrum, regulatory authorizations, and trade names, which are indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company reevaluates the useful life determination for these assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. If the fair value of the indefinite-lived asset is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. Based on the results of the 2015 Analysis, the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets was greater than the carrying value. As such, no impairment charge was recorded during the period. Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization The Company’s intangible assets that do have finite lives (intellectual property) 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.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations Liabilities arising from legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are required to be measured at fair value and recorded as a liability. Upon initial recognition of a liability for retirement obligations, a company must record an asset, which is depreciated over the life of the asset to be retired. Under certain circumstances, each of the U.S. government, The Boeing Company (“Boeing”), and Motorola Solutions, Inc. (“Motorola Solutions”) has the right to require the de-orbit of the Company’s satellite constellation. One such right the U.S. government holds is to require the Company to de-orbit the satellite constellation at any time after January 1, 2015. In the event the Company was required to effect a mass de-orbit, pursuant to the amended and restated operations and maintenance agreement (the “O&M Agreement”) by and between the Company and Boeing, the Company would be required to pay Boeing $18.4 million, plus an amount equivalent to the premium for mass de-orbit insurance coverage payable to the insurer ($2.5 million as of December 31, 2015). The Company has concluded that each of the foregoing de-orbit rights meets the definition of an asset retirement obligation. However, the Company currently does not believe the U.S. government, Boeing or Motorola Solutions will exercise their respective de-orbit rights. As a result, the Company believes the likelihood of any future cash outflows associated with the mass de-orbit obligation is remote and has recorded an asset retirement obligation with respect to the potential mass de-orbit of approximately $0.2 million at December 31, 2015, which is included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. There are other circumstances in which the Company could be required, either by the U.S. government or for technical reasons, to de-orbit an individual satellite; however, the Company believes that such costs would not be significant relative to the costs associated with the ordinary operations of the satellite constellation.
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. 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 services are performed or delivery has occurred, evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable, as follows: Contracts with multiple elements At times, the Company sells services and equipment through multi-element arrangements that bundle equipment, airtime and other services. For multi-element revenue arrangements when the Company sells services and equipment in bundled arrangements and determines that it has separate units of accounting, the Company allocates the bundled contract price among the various contract deliverables based on each deliverable’s relative selling price. The selling price used for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence when available, third-party evidence when vendor-specific objective evidence is not available, or the estimated selling price when neither vendor-specific evidence nor third party evidence is available. The Company determines vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price by assessing sales prices of subscriber equipment, airtime and other services when they are sold to customers on a stand-alone basis. The Company’s determination of best estimate of selling price is consistent with its determination of vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price and the Company assesses qualitative and quantitative market factors and entity-specific factors when estimating the selling price. When the Company determines the elements are not separate units of accounting, the Company recognizes revenue on a combined basis as the last element is delivered. 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 ratably over the 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. The Company recognizes revenue from the prepaid services upon the use of the e-voucher or prepaid card by the customer or upon the expiration of the right to access the prepaid service. In September 2012, the Company communicated a new expiration policy with respect to prepaid e-vouchers, effective December 2013. While the terms of prepaid e-vouchers can be extended by the purchase of additional e-vouchers, prepaid e-vouchers may not be extended beyond the new limits of three or four years, dependent on the initial expiry period when purchased. The Company does not offer refunds for unused prepaid services. 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. 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 the Defense Information Systems Agency (“DISA”). The EMSS contract, entered into in April 2008, provided for a one-year base term and four additional one-year options which were exercised at the election of the U.S. government. Under the terms of this contract, the Company provided airtime to U.S. government subscribers through (i) fixed monthly fees on a per-user basis for unlimited voice services, (ii) fixed monthly fees per user for unlimited paging services, (iii) a tiered pricing plan (based on usage) per device for data services, (iv) fixed monthly fees on a per-user basis for unlimited beyond-line-of-sight push-to-talk voice services to user-defined groups (“Netted Iridium”), and (v) a monthly fee for active user-defined groups using Netted Iridium. Revenue related to these services was recognized ratably over the periods in which the services were provided, and the related costs were expensed as incurred. After the exercise of all available optional contract extensions, the EMSS contract as signed in April 2008 expired in October 2013. Effective October 22, 2013, the Company executed a new five-year EMSS contract, managed by DISA. Under the terms of this new agreement, authorized customers continue to utilize airtime services, provided through the U.S. Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) dedicated gateway. These services include unlimited global secure and unsecure voice, low and high-speed data, paging, broadcast and Netted Iridium services for an unlimited number of DoD and other federal subscribers. The fixed-price rates in each of the five contract years, which run from October 22 through the following October 21 of each year, are $64 million and $72 million in years one and two, respectively, and $88 million in each of the years three through five. 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. 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 these services is recorded when the services are rendered, typically on a partial performance method of accounting based on the Company’s estimate of total costs expected to complete the contract, and the related costs are expensed as incurred. 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.
Warranty Expense	Warranty Expense The Company provides the first end-user purchaser of its subscriber equipment a warranty for one to five years from the date of purchase by such first end-user, depending on the product. The Company maintains a warranty reserve based on historical experience of warranty costs and expected occurrences of warranty claims on equipment. Costs associated with warranties, including equipment replacements, repairs, freight, and program administration, are recorded as cost of subscriber equipment in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The Company’s warranty provision for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $8.1 million compared to the prior year. This decrease was primarily the result of fewer expected returns for the Iridium Pilot units sold in 2015 and 2014 and a decrease in average repair costs. The decrease in the warranty provision also included a $0.8 million warranty expense reduction from an initiative to replace older Iridium OpenPort units. Changes in the warranty reserve for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Year Ended 2015 2014 (in thousands) Balance at beginning of the period $ 7,381 $ 8,853 Provision (1,715 ) 6,390 Utilization (2,346 ) (7,862 ) Balance at end of the period $ 3,320 $ 7,381
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 Costs associated with advertising and promotions are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses were $0.5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
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.
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 potential dilutive common shares, including common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and stock purchase warrants, is computed using the treasury stock method. The effect of potential dilutive common shares from the conversion of the outstanding convertible preferred securities is computed using the as-if converted method at the stated conversion rate. The Company’s unvested RSUs 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 the unvested RSUs from the numerator and excludes the impact of unvested RSUs from the denominator.

Significant Accounting Polici23

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation	Classification of stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Property and equipment, net $ 998 $ 1,176 Inventory 48 83 Cost of subscriber equipment 135 152 Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 721 824 Research and development 221 312 Selling, general and administrative 7,526 8,313 Total stock-based compensation $ 9,649 $ 10,860
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 15-18 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
Schedule of Changes in Warranty Reserve	Changes in the warranty reserve for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Year Ended 2015 2014 (in thousands) Balance at beginning of the period $ 7,381 $ 8,853 Provision (1,715 ) 6,390 Utilization (2,346 ) (7,862 ) Balance at end of the period $ 3,320 $ 7,381

Cash and Cash Equivalents and24

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Recurring Fair 2015 2014 Value Measurement (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 67,005 $ 86,792 Money market funds 118,660 105,497 Level 1 Commercial paper — 18,960 Level 2 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 185,665 $ 211,249
Summary of Company's Marketable Securities	The following table summarizes the Company’s marketable securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: As of December 31, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated Recurring Fair Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Value Measurement (in thousands) Fixed-income debt securities $ 181,636 $ 4 $ (200 ) $ 181,440 Level 2 Commercial paper 9,821 — (1 ) 9,820 Level 2 U.S. Treasury notes 12,079 — (10 ) 12,069 Level 2 Total marketable securities $ 203,536 $ 4 $ (211 ) $ 203,329 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated Recurring Fair Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Value Measurement (in thousands) Fixed-income debt securities $ 168,960 $ 397 $ (314 ) $ 169,043 Level 2 Commercial paper 78,915 — — $ 78,915 Level 2 U.S. Treasury notes 13,127 53 (2 ) $ 13,178 Level 2 Total marketable securities $ 261,002 $ 450 $ (316 ) $ 261,136
Summary of Contractual Maturities of Company's Marketable Securities	The following table presents the contractual maturities of the fixed income debt securities, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury notes held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: As of December 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Cost Value Cost Value (in thousands) (in thousands) Mature within one year $ 169,728 $ 169,619 $ 177,011 $ 177,145 Mature after one year and within three years 33,808 33,710 83,991 83,991 Total $ 203,536 $ 203,329 $ 261,002 $ 261,136

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Interest Activity for Credit Facility	The following table presents interest activity for the Credit Facility for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 payable via cash or deemed loan: 2015 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 2,936 $ 6,653 $ 9,589 Interest incurred 19,662 44,934 64,596 Interest payments (18,878 ) (43,073 ) (61,951 ) Ending interest payable $ 3,720 $ 8,514 $ 12,234 2014 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 2,446 $ 5,543 $ 7,989 Interest incurred 15,499 35,257 50,756 Interest payments (15,009 ) (34,147 ) (49,156 ) Ending interest payable $ 2,936 $ 6,653 $ 9,589

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Satellite system $ 323,607 $ 323,607 Ground system 41,629 41,365 Equipment 30,189 26,961 Internally developed software and purchased software 116,960 95,406 Building and leasehold improvements 31,589 29,980 543,974 517,319 Less: accumulated depreciation (385,860 ) (339,155 ) 158,114 178,164 Land 8,037 8,037 Construction in process: Iridium NEXT systems under construction 2,252,290 1,755,974 Other construction in process 25,126 29,664 Total property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 2,443,567 $ 1,971,839
Other Construction In Process	Other construction in process consisted of the following at December 31: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Internally developed software $ 7,708 $ 20,779 Equipment 1,981 859 Ground system 15,143 7,862 Building and leasehold improvements 294 164 Total other construction in process $ 25,126 $ 29,664

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The Company has identifiable intangible assets as follows: December 31, 2015 Useful Gross Accumulated Net Lives Carrying Amortization Carrying (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 19.5 years 16,439 (5,075 ) 11,364 Total 16,439 (5,075 ) 11,364 Total intangible assets $ 51,664 $ (5,075 ) $ 46,589 December 31, 2014 Useful Gross Accumulated Net Lives Carrying Amortization Carrying (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 16.5 years 16,439 (4,248 ) 12,191 Total 16,439 (4,248 ) 12,191 Total intangible assets $ 51,664 $ (4,248 ) $ 47,416
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Future amortization expense with respect to intangible assets existing at December 31, 2015, by year and in the aggregate, is as follows: Year ending December 31, Amount (In thousands) 2016 $ 797 2017 797 2018 797 2019 797 2020 797 Thereafter 7,379 Total estimated future amortization expense $ 11,364

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments, by year and in the aggregate, under noncancelable operating leases at December 31, 2015, are as follows: Operating Year ending December 31, Leases (In thousands) 2016 $ 3,236 2017 3,437 2018 3,524 2019 3,614 2020 3,705 Thereafter 15,940 Total $ 33,456

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	Assumptions used in determining the fair value of the Company’s options were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 39% - 42% 41% - 43% 41% - 42% Expected term (years) 5.25 - 10.00 5.25 - 10.00 3.00 - 6.25 Expected dividends 0% 0% 0% Risk free interest rate 1.50% - 2.35% 1.10% - 2.35% 0.58% - 1.93%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock options for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows: Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Remaining Aggregate Exercise Price Contractual Intrinsic Shares Per Share Term (Years) Value (In thousands, except years and per share data) Options outstanding at January 1, 2015 6,671 $ 7.68 Granted 885 $ 9.25 Cancelled or expired (92 ) $ 8.66 Exercised (287 ) $ 7.87 Forfeited (57 ) $ 7.81 Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 7,120 $ 7.86 6.33 $ 3,937 Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 5,386 $ 7.86 5.67 $ 2,941 Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 7,089 $ 7.85 6.32 $ 3,917
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	A summary of the Company’s activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 for outstanding RSUs is as follows: Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value RSUs Per RSU (In thousands) Outstanding at January 1, 2015 2,282 $ 6.80 Granted 834 $ 9.42 Forfeited (193 ) $ 7.18 Released (979 ) $ 7.06 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,944 $ 7.76 Vested at December 31, 2015 403
Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Roll Forward	A summary of the Company’s activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 for unvested RSUs is as follows: Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value RSUs Per RSU (In thousands) Non-vested at January 1, 2015 1,884 $ 6.72 Granted 834 $ 9.42 Vested (984 ) $ 7.18 Forfeited (193 ) $ 7.18 Non-vested at December 31, 2015 1,541 $ 7.83

Segments, Significant Custome30

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Long Lived Assets by Geographical Areas	Net property and equipment by geographic area was as follows as of December 31: 2015 2014 (In thousands) United States $ 127,959 $ 137,185 Satellites in orbit 32,774 57,494 Iridium NEXT systems under construction 2,252,290 1,755,974 All others (1) 30,544 21,186 Total $ 2,443,567 $ 1,971,839 (1) No one other country represented more than 10% of property and equipment, net.
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	Revenue by geographic area was as follows for the years ended December 31: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) United States $ 204,777 $ 194,060 $ 175,054 Canada 42,063 44,933 49,541 United Kingdom 44,012 47,093 37,421 Other countries (1) 120,526 122,471 120,633 Total $ 411,378 $ 408,557 $ 382,649 (1) No one other country represented more than 10% of revenue.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) U.S. income $ 75,431 $ 115,858 $ 111,685 Foreign income (loss) (2,316 ) 594 (1,220 ) Total income before income taxes $ 73,115 $ 116,452 $ 110,465
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of the Company’s income tax provision are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Current taxes: Federal provision (benefit) $ 1,700 $ 50 (12 ) State provision (benefit) 266 (90 ) 7 Foreign provision 650 1,260 723 Total current tax provision 2,616 1,220 718 Deferred taxes: Federal provision 54,906 40,155 39,041 State provision (benefit) 8,803 (77 ) 8,240 Foreign provision (benefit) (333 ) 165 (51 ) Total deferred tax provision 63,376 40,243 47,230 Total income tax provision $ 65,992 $ 41,463 $ 47,948
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 as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Expected provision at U.S. federal statutory tax rate $ 25,590 $ 40,766 $ 38,668 State taxes, net of federal benefit 11,663 4,991 9,048 State tax valuation allowance (2,763 ) 380 3,151 Arizona tax law change 99 (5,525 ) (3,975 ) Impairment of goodwill 30,464 - - Other nondeductible expenses 557 903 1,185 Liability for uncertain tax positions — — (146 ) Tax credits (97 ) (994 ) (849 ) Foreign taxes and other items 479 942 866 Total income tax provision $ 65,992 $ 41,463 $ 47,948
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets Long-term contracts $ 64,287 $ 49,207 Deferred revenue 8,312 6,357 Federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits 104,996 133,021 Other 24,603 24,571 Total deferred tax assets 202,198 213,156 Valuation allowance (4,529 ) (6,806 ) Net deferred tax assets 197,669 206,350 Deferred tax liabilities Fixed assets and intangibles (101,107 ) (95,797 ) Research and development expenditures (379,220 ) (335,833 ) Other (14,174 ) (8,753 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (494,501 ) (440,383 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (296,832 ) $ (234,033 )
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: 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at January 1, $ 1,150 $ 1,259 Change attributable to tax positions taken in a prior period 50 (51 ) Change attributable to final assessment (311 ) - Change attributable to tax positions taken in the current period 29 8 Decrease attributable to lapse of statute of limitations (2 ) (66 ) Balance at December 31, $ 916 $ 1,150

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ (8,313 ) $ 62,669 $ 55,517 Dividends on Series A Preferred Stock - 7,000 7,000 Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock - 5,320 - Numerator for diluted net income per share $ (8,313 ) $ 74,989 $ 62,517 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 95,097 88,080 76,909 Dilutive effect of stock options - 85 - Dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares - - - Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock - 10,602 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B Preferred Stock - 10,633 - Denominator for diluted net income per share 95,097 109,400 87,511 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ (0.09 ) $ 0.71 $ 0.72 Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ (0.09 ) $ 0.69 $ 0.71

Selected Quarterly Informatio33

Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	The following represents the Company’s unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2015 2015 2015 2015 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 97,007 $ 101,919 $ 106,034 $ 106,418 Operating income (loss) (1) $ 33,473 $ 42,334 $ 46,539 $ (48,543 ) Net income (loss) $ 21,019 $ 25,988 $ 29,547 $ (69,431 ) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ 0.18 $ 0.23 $ 0.27 $ (0.77 ) Net income (loss) per common share -diluted $ 0.17 $ 0.21 $ 0.24 $ (0.77 ) (1) Quarter Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2014 2014 2014 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenue $ 98,032 $ 102,521 $ 107,493 $ 100,511 Operating income $ 28,344 $ 29,713 $ 33,013 $ 31,841 Net income $ 16,543 $ 15,019 $ 20,388 $ 23,039 Net income per common share - basic $ 0.19 $ 0.14 $ 0.18 $ 0.20 Net income per common share -diluted $ 0.19 $ 0.14 $ 0.17 $ 0.19

Significant Accounting Polici34

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 04, 2010
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$ 296,832,000	$ 296,832,000	$ 245,042,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,800,000,000	1,800,000,000				$ 1,800,000,000
Restricted cash	91,112,000	91,112,000	86,104,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	600,000	600,000	900,000
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net	133,056,000	133,056,000	136,444,000
Capitalized interest		83,100,000	62,000,000	$ 52,100,000
Provision for obsolete inventory		723,000	931,000	1,479,000
Depreciation Impact Change Of Accounting Estimate			$ 10,600,000		$ 3,800,000
Impact Of Change In Accounting Estimate On Basic Earnings Per Share			$ 0.01		$ 0.03
Impact Of Change In Accounting Estimate On Diluted Earnings Per Share			$ 0.01		$ 0.02
Asset Impairment Charges, Total			$ 2,200,000
Goodwill impairment charge	87,000,000	87,039,000	0	0
Maximum De Orbit Asset Retirement Obligation		18,400,000
De Orbit Insurance Coverage	2,500,000	2,500,000
Asset Retirement Obligation	200,000	200,000
US Government Contract Future Minimum Payments Receivable Year One	64,000,000	64,000,000
US Government Contract Future Minimum Payments Receivable Year Two	72,000,000	72,000,000
US Government Contract Future Minimum Payments Receivable Year Three	88,000,000	88,000,000
US Government Contract Future Minimum Payments Receivable Year Four	88,000,000	88,000,000
US Government Contract Future Minimum Payments Receivable Year five	88,000,000	$ 88,000,000
Product warranty description		The Company provides the first end-user purchaser of its subscriber equipment a warranty for one to five years from the date of purchase by such first end-user, depending on the product.
Decrease In warranty provision		$ 8,100,000
Amount Offset In Warranty Related Initiatives	$ 800,000	800,000
Advertising Expense		$ 500,000	500,000	$ 500,000
New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Reclassification of current deferred income tax assets net to non-current deferred tax liability			11,000,000
Deferred income tax liabilities, net			$ 234,000,000

Significant Accounting Polici35

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Expensed And Capitalized	$ 9,649	$ 10,860
Property and Equipment [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Expensed And Capitalized	998	1,176
Inventory [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Expensed And Capitalized	48	83
Cost Of Subscriber Equipment [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Expensed And Capitalized	135	152
Cost Of Services [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Expensed And Capitalized	721	824
Research And Development [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Expensed And Capitalized	221	312
Selling General And Administrative [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Expensed And Capitalized	$ 7,526	$ 8,313

Significant Accounting Polici36

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Satellites [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Satellites [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	18 years
Ground System [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Ground System [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	shorter of useful life or remaining lease term

Significant Accounting Polici37

Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 7,381	$ 8,853
Provision	(1,715)	6,390
Utilization	(2,346)	(7,862)
Balance at end of the period	$ 3,320	$ 7,381

Cash and Cash Equivalents and38

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash	$ 67,005	$ 86,792
Total cash and cash equivalents	185,665	211,249	$ 186,342	$ 254,418
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Money market funds	118,660	105,497
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Commercial paper	$ 0	$ 18,960

Cash and Cash Equivalents and39

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	$ 203,536	$ 261,002
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4	450
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(211)	(316)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	203,329	261,136
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	9,821	78,915
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	9,820	78,915
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Notes Securities [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	12,079	13,127
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	53
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10)	(2)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	12,069	13,178
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Income Debt Securities [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	181,636	168,960
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4	397
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(200)	(314)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	$ 181,440	$ 169,043

Cash and Cash Equivalents and40

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Marketable securities:
Mature within one year - Amortized Cost	$ 169,728	$ 177,011
Mature after one year and within three years - Amortized Cost	33,808	83,991
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	203,536	261,002
Mature within one year - Estimated Fair Value	169,619	177,145
Mature after one year and within three years - Estimated Fair Value	33,710	83,991
Total - Estimated Fair Value	$ 203,329	$ 261,136

Equity Transactions and Instr41

Equity Transactions and Instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 06, 2014	Sep. 29, 2009	May. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized					2,000,000
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued				1,000,000				500,000
Shares of preferred stock, undesignated and unissued					500,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock					$ 0	$ 98,897	$ 0
Baron Capital Group Inc [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	504,413
Public Offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Purchase Price Per Share			$ 6.50
Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Gross			$ 50,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock			49,900
Public Offering [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate discount and offering costs			$ 100
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			7,692,308
Underwritten Public Offering [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			8,483,608
Underwriter [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			1,106,558
Private Offering [Member] | Underwriter [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Purchase Price Per Share			$ 6.10
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity			$ 49,000
Preferred Stock, Discount on Shares			2,600
Other Underwriting Expense			$ 200
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized					1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued					1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share					$ 100
Annual rate of preferred stock, per share					$ 7
Shares of common stock converted at initial conversion				10.6022
Initial conversion price of common stock				$ 9.43
Cash dividends on preferred stock					$ 7,000	$ 7,000
Accrued dividends on preferred stock					$ 292	$ 292	292
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | Private Offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued				1,000,000
Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend rate on preferred stock					7.00%
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share				$ 100
Convertible preferred stock, terms of conversion					On or prior to October 3, 2017, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have a special right to convert some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock into shares of common stock in the event of fundamental changes described in the Certificate of Designations for the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to specified conditions and limitations. In certain circumstances, the Company may also elect to settle conversions in cash as a result of these fundamental changes.
Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member] | Private Offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend rate on preferred stock				7.00%
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock				$ 96,500
Aggregate discount and offering costs				$ 3,500
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized					500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued					500,000	500,000
Dividend rate on preferred stock					6.75%
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share					$ 250
Annual rate of preferred stock, per share					$ 16.875
Shares of common stock converted at initial conversion					33.456
Initial conversion price of common stock					$ 7.47
Cash dividends on preferred stock					$ 8,400	$ 5,000
Accrued dividends on preferred stock					$ 351	$ 351	$ 0
Convertible preferred stock, terms of conversion					On or prior to May 15, 2019, in the event of certain specified fundamental changes, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to convert some or all of their shares of Series B Preferred Stock into the greater of (i) a number of shares of the Company’s common stock as subject to adjustment plus the make-whole premium, if any, and (ii) a number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the lesser of (a) the liquidation preference divided by the market value of the Company’s common stock on the effective date of such fundamental change and (b) 81.9672 (subject to adjustment). In certain circumstances, the Company may elect to cash settle any conversions in connection with a fundamental change.
Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | Public Offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued			500,000
Preferred stock, price per share			$ 250
Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | Private Offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock			$ 120,800
Aggregate discount and offering costs			$ 400
Preferred stock, purchase price per share			$ 242.50
Underwriting discount price per share			$ 7.50
Payment of underwriter discount			$ 3,800
Series B Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member] | Private Offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share					$ 250
11.50 Warrants [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Price Per Share Of Common Stock		$ 11.50

Debt (Details Textual)

Debt (Details Textual)	Oct. 04, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 1,800,000,000			$ 1,800,000,000
Percentage of Company Obligations Insured	95.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Accrued Interest				64,596,000	$ 50,756,000	$ 39,600,000
Interest incurred, Deemed Loan				44,934,000	35,257,000	27,500,000
Percentage Of Additional Amount Drawn To Cover Policy Premium	6.49%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.80%
Percentage Of Costs Under Development Contract	85.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Frequency of Payment and Payment Terms	Scheduled semi-annual principal repayments will begin six months after the earlier of (i) the successful deployment of a specified number of Iridium NEXT satellites or (ii) September 30, 2017.
Long-Term Line Of Credit, Noncurrent				1,521,822,000	1,291,401,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				278,200,000
Minimum Required Cash Reserve Balance For Credit Facility				91,000,000
Undrawn Credit Facility Fees				3,289,000	$ 5,825,000	$ 7,708,000
Credit facility maturing period after start of repayment period	7 years
Minimum debt service reserve, due in 12 months				113,000,000
Minimum debt service reserve, due thereafter				$ 189,000,000
Minimum Cash Balance Under Line Of Credit	$ 25,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms				an available cash balance of at least $25 million; a debt-to-equity ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of total net debt to the aggregate of total net debt and total stockholders’ equity, of no more than 0.7 to 1, measured each June 30 and December 31; specified maximum levels of annual capital expenditures (excluding expenditures on the construction of Iridium NEXT satellites) through the year ending December 31, 2024; specified minimum levels of consolidated operational earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or operational EBITDA, for the 12-month periods ending each December 31 and June 30 through December 31, 2017; specified minimum cumulative cash flow requirements from customers who have hosted payloads on our satellites, measured each December 31 and June 30, from June 30, 2016 through December 31, 2017; a debt service coverage ratio, measured during the repayment period, of not less than 1 to 1.5; and specified maximum leverage levels during the repayment period that decline from a ratio of 4.73 to 1 for the twelve months ending June 30, 2018 to a ratio of 2.36 to 1 for the twelve months ending December 31, 2024.
Debt to equity ratio				0.52
Available Cash Balance As Defined Under Line Of Credit				$ 218,800,000
Available Cure Balance As Defined Under Line Of Credit				$ 3,500,000
Line Of Credit Facility Delay Of Contributions To Debt Service Reserve Account Description				As amended, the Credit Facility also delays, until 2017, a total of $54.0 million in contributions that the Company had previously been scheduled to make during 2015 and 2016 to the debt service reserve account that the Company is required to maintain under the Credit Facility.
Delay in contribution to debt service				$ 54,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to equity ratio	0.7
Debt service coverage ratio	100.00%
Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to equity ratio	1
Debt service coverage ratio	150.00%
Scenario Forecast [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Leverage decline ratio		100.00%	100.00%
Scenario Forecast [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Leverage decline ratio		236.00%	473.00%
Tranche One [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 1,537,500,000
Line Of Credit Facility Pro Rata Rate	4.96%
Line Of Credit Facility Interest Rate On Deemed Loan	3.56%
Tranche Two [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 262,500,000
Line Of Credit Facility Pro Rata Rate Description	(“LIBOR”) plus 1.95%
Line Of Credit Facility Interest Rate On Deemed Loan Description	LIBOR plus 0.55%

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning interest payable, Cash	$ 2,936	$ 2,446
Interest incurred, Cash	19,662	15,499
Interest payments, Cash	(18,878)	(15,009)
Ending interest payable, Cash	3,720	2,936	$ 2,446
Beginning interest payable, Deemed Loan	6,653
Interest incurred, Deemed Loan	44,934	35,257	27,500
Interest payments, Deemed Loan	(43,073)	(34,147)
Ending interest payable, Deemed Loan	8,514	6,653
Beginning interest payable, Total	9,589
Interest incurred, Total	64,596	50,756	39,600
Interest payments, Total	(61,951)
Ending interest payable, Total	12,234	9,589
Beginning interest payable, Deemed Loan	6,653	5,543
Ending interest payable, Deemed Loan		6,653	5,543
Beginning interest payable, Total	9,589	7,989
Interest payments, Total		(49,156)
Ending interest payable, Total	$ 3,720	$ 9,589	$ 7,989

Boeing Operations and Mainten44

Boeing Operations and Maintenance Agreements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Boeing Operations And Maintenance Agreements [Abstract]
De-Orbit Plan Cost Description	approximately $18.4 million to be paid to Boeing, plus an amount equivalent to the premium of the mass de-orbit insurance coverage to be paid to the insurer.
Satellite Operations And Maintenance Costs	$ 29.5	$ 30.7	$ 30.1

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 543,974	$ 517,319
Less: accumulated depreciation	(385,860)	(339,155)
Property plant and equipment net excluding construction in process and land	158,114	178,164
Land	8,037	8,037
Construction in process:
Iridium NEXT systems under construction	2,252,290	1,755,974
Other construction in process	25,126	29,664
Total property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	2,443,567	1,971,839
Satellite System [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	323,607	323,607
Ground System [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	41,629	41,365
Construction in process:
Other construction in process	15,143	7,862
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	30,189	26,961
Construction in process:
Other construction in process	1,981	859
Software Development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	116,960	95,406
Construction in process:
Other construction in process	7,708	20,779
Building And Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	31,589	29,980
Construction in process:
Other construction in process	$ 294	$ 164

Property and Equipment (Detai46

Property and Equipment (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total other construction in process	$ 25,126	$ 29,664
Software Development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total other construction in process	7,708	20,779
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total other construction in process	1,981	859
Ground System [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total other construction in process	15,143	7,862
Building And Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total other construction in process	$ 294	$ 164

Property and Equipment (Detai47

Property and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 51	$ 62.7	$ 62

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite life intangible assets:
Total Gross Carrying Value	$ 35,225	$ 35,225
Total Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Total Net Carrying Value	35,225	35,225
Definite life intangible assets:
Total Gross Carrying Value	16,439	16,439
Total, Accumulated Amortization	(5,075)	(4,248)
Total, Net Carrying Value	11,364	12,191
Total intangible assets, Gross Carrying Value	51,664	51,664
Total intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(5,075)	(4,248)
Total intangible assets, Net Carrying Value	$ 46,589	$ 47,416
Intellectual Property [Member]
Definite life intangible assets:
Useful Lives	19 years 6 months	16 years 6 months
Total Gross Carrying Value	$ 16,439	$ 16,439
Total, Accumulated Amortization	(5,075)	(4,248)
Total, Net Carrying Value	11,364	12,191
Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite life intangible assets:
Total Gross Carrying Value	21,195	21,195
Total Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Total Net Carrying Value	21,195	21,195
Spectrum And Licensing [Member]
Indefinite life intangible assets:
Total Gross Carrying Value	14,030	14,030
Total Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Total Net Carrying Value	$ 14,030	$ 14,030

Intangible Assets (Details Text

Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	19 years 6 months	16 years 6 months
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 0.8	$ 10	$ 13

Intangible Assets (Details 1)

Intangible Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 797
2,017	797
2,018	797
2,019	797
2,020	797
Thereafter	7,379
Total, Net Carrying Value	$ 11,364	$ 12,191

Commitments and Contingencies51

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)	Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)Launch	Jun. 30, 2011LaunchSatellite	Mar. 31, 2010USD ($)Launch	Jun. 30, 2015Launch	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2010USD ($)
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Contract aggregate payment						$ 2,252,290,000	$ 1,755,974,000
Lease Extended Period						2,026
Operating Leases, Rent Expense						$ 3,400,000	3,300,000	$ 3,200,000
Minimum [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Operating Lease Agreements Renewal Term						1 year
Maximum [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Operating Lease Agreements Renewal Term						10 years
Section One [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Insurance Policy Liability Limit Per Occurrence						$ 1,000,000,000
Section Two [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Insurance Policy Liability Limit Per Occurrence						500,000,000
Insurance Policy Liability Limit Aggregate						1,000,000,000
Deductible For Claims						250,000
Section Three [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Insurance Policy Liability Limit Per Occurrence						500,000,000
Insurance Policy Liability Limit Aggregate						1,000,000,000
Deductible For Claims						250,000
Insurance Policy Premium						2,500,000
Supplier Purchase Commitments [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months						46,500,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year						1,100,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year						600,000
Other Inventory, Materials, Supplies and Merchandise under Consignment, Gross						2,900,000	$ 1,700,000
Purchase Obligation Benchmark, Due in Next Twelve Months						4,900,000
Purchase Obligation						48,200,000
Space vehicle [Member] | Section Two [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Insurance Policy Liability Limit Aggregate						500,000,000
Thales Alenia Space France [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Commitments Price For Design and Build Of Satellites									$ 2,300,000,000
Contract aggregate payment						1,537,100,000
Borrowings under credit facility						$ 1,303,100,000
Credit facility, description						The Company currently uses the Credit Facility to pay 85% of each invoice received from Thales under the FSD, with the remaining 15% funded from cash on hand. Once the Credit Facility is fully drawn, which is expected to occur in late 2016, the Company expects to pay 100% of each invoice received from Thales from cash and marketable securities on hand as well as internally generated cash flow
Percentage of credit facility to be paid						85.00%
Percentage of credit facility funded through cash						15.00%
Expected percentage of credit facility to be paid						100.00%
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months						$ 473,700,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year						177,600,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year						64,700,000
Space Exploration Technologies Corp [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Contract aggregate payment						315,300,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months						108,600,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year						44,200,000
Number of launches for agreement | Launch			7
Option exercise for future launch | Launch			1
Maximum Commitments Amount			$ 468,100,000
Refundable deposit paid for additional future launches					$ 3,000,000
Kosmotras [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Contract aggregate payment						36,800,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months						$ 15,000,000
Maximum number of launches purchased | Launch		6
Number of satellites carried by each launch | Satellite		2
Number of launch option exercised | Launch	1
Total contract amount	$ 51,800,000
Maximum number of dedicated launches purchased | Launch				6

Commitments and Contingencies52

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Year ending December 31,
2,016	$ 3,236
2,017	3,437
2,018	3,524
2,019	3,614
2,020	3,705
Thereafter	15,940
Total	$ 33,456

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross												885,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense												$ 3.4	$ 4.3	$ 6
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value												$ 3.95	$ 2.97	$ 2.60
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Total												$ 4.8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition												2 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value												$ 3.6	$ 4.6	$ 6.3
Restricted stock or unit expense												$ 6.3	$ 6.5	$ 1.7
Service Based RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation Vesting Period												4 years	4 years	4 years
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units												596,000	786,000	523,000
Grant Date Fair Value Of Restricted Stock Units												$ 5.6
Performance Based RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units			161,000					207,000		69,000
Restricted stock vesting minimum percentage			0.00%					0.00%
Restricted stock vesting maximum percentage			150.00%					150.00%
Performance goals % vest second year			50.00%					50.00%
Performance goals % vest third year			50.00%					50.00%
Restricted stock units measurement period														2 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments In Aggregate amount														69,000
Employee [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
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
First Anniversary Vesting Percentage												25.00%
Second Anniversary Vesting Percentage												25.00%
Third Anniversary Vesting Percentage												25.00%
Forth Anniversary Vesting Percentage												25.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross												744,000	987,000
Grant Date Fair Value Of Stock Options												$ 2.9	$ 3
Employee [Member] | Performance Based RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units							323,000
Employee [Member] | March 2015 Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value Of Restricted Stock Units												$ 1.5
Employee [Member] | March2014 Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value Of Restricted Stock Units													1.3
Employee [Member] | June2014 Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value Of Restricted Stock Units													$ 2.6
Employee [Member] | March 2013 Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value Of Stock Options										$ 0.4
Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
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 Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	7,500					20,000			112,000		68,000
Grant Date Fair Value Of Stock Options	$ 0.4			$ 0.4		$ 0.1			$ 0.3		$ 0.2
Non Employee [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross												30,000	45,000
Grant Date Fair Value Of Stock Options												$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Non Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units		15,000		62,000								77,000	108,000	112,000
Fair value of restricted stock units												$ 0.7	$ 0.7	$ 0.8
Vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter | Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage				25.00%					25.00%		25.00%	25.00%
Vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter | Non Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage				25.00%	25.00%						25.00%
Vesting immediately upon grant | Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage													33.00%
Vesting immediately upon grant | Non Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage												33.00%
Vesting on September 30 | Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage													33.00%
Vesting on September 30 | Non Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage												33.00%
Vesting on December 31 | Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage													34.00%
Vesting on December 31 | Non Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage												34.00%
Vesting on First Anniversary of Grant Date | Service Based RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage			25.00%										25.00%	25.00%
2015 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number Of Shares Stock Incentive Plan Newly Authorized												23,203,009
2015 Plan [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				103,000
Employee [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross														1,200,000
Grant Date Fair Value Of Stock Options														$ 3.2
Non Employee [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value Of Stock Options														$ 0.1
Non Employee [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross														100,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Det54

Stock-Based Compensation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility (minimum)	39.00%	41.00%	41.00%
Expected volatility (maximum)	42.00%	43.00%	42.00%
Expected dividends	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk free interest rate (minimum)	1.50%	1.10%	0.58%
Risk free interest rate (maximum)	2.35%	2.35%	1.93%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	5 years 3 months	5 years 3 months	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	10 years	10 years	6 years 3 months

Stock-Based Compensation (Det55

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Options outstanding at January 1, 2015 - Shares | shares	6,671
Options Granted - Shares | shares	885
Options Cancelled or expired - Shares | shares	(92)
Options Exercised - Shares | shares	(287)
Options Forfeited - Shares | shares	(57)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 - Shares | shares	7,120
Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 - Shares | shares	5,386
Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 - Shares | shares	7,089
Options outstanding at January 1, 2015 - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 7.68
Options Granted - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	9.25
Options Cancelled or expired - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	8.66
Options Exercised - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	7.87
Options Forfeited - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	7.81
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	7.86
Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	7.86
Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 7.85
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	6 years 3 months 29 days
Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	5 years 8 months 1 day
Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	6 years 3 months 26 days
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 - Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 3,937
Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 - Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	2,941
Options exercisable and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 - Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 3,917

Stock-Based Compensation (Det56

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - Outstanding Restricted Stock Units [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding - Restricted Stock Units	2,282
Granted - Restricted Stock Units	834
Forfeited - Restricted Stock Units	(193)
Released - Restricted Stock Units	(979)
Outstanding - Restricted Stock Units	1,944
Vested - Restricted Stock Units	403
Outstanding - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	$ 6.80
Granted - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	9.42
Forfeited - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	7.18
Released - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	7.06
Outstanding - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	$ 7.76

Stock-Based Compensation (Det57

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3) - Unvested Restricted Stock Units [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested - Restricted Stock Units | shares	1,884
Granted - Restricted Stock Units | shares	834
Vested - Restricted Stock Units | shares	(984)
Forfeited - Restricted Stock Units | shares	(193)
Non-vested - Restricted Stock Units | shares	1,541
Non-vested - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	$ 6.72
Granted - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	9.42
Vested - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	7.18
Forfeited - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	7.18
Non-vested - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU | $ / shares	$ 7.83

Segments, Significant Custome58

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information (Details Textual) - Customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Prime Contracts with U.S. Government [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	23.00%	21.00%	20.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Large Commercial Customer Two [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number Of Customers	0	0	0
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number Of Customers		1
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Prime Contracts with U.S. Government [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	29.00%	30.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		12.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Single Customer One [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%
Number Of Customers	0	0

Segments, Significant Custome59

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		$ 2,443,567	$ 1,971,839
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		127,959	137,185
Satellites In Orbit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		32,774	57,494
Iridium Next Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		2,252,290	1,755,974
All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	[1]	$ 30,544	$ 21,186
[1]	No one other country represented more than 10% of property and equipment, net.

Segments, Significant Custome60

Segments, Significant Customers, Supplier and Service Providers and Geographic Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue		$ 106,418	$ 106,034	$ 101,919	$ 97,007	$ 100,511	$ 107,493	$ 102,521	$ 98,032	$ 411,378	$ 408,557	$ 382,649
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue										204,777	194,060	175,054
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue										42,063	44,933	49,541
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue										44,012	47,093	37,421
Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	[1]									$ 120,526	$ 122,471	$ 120,633
[1]	No one other country represented more than 10% of revenue.

Employee Benefit Plan (Details

Employee Benefit Plan (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan Employee Matching Contribution Annual Vesting Percentage	100.00%
Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage	100.00%
Maximum Deferral Contribution Percentage	5.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	$ 1.5	$ 1.3	$ 1.2

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. income	$ 75,431	$ 115,858	$ 111,685
Foreign income (loss)	(2,316)	594	(1,220)
Total income before income taxes	$ 73,115	$ 116,452	$ 110,465

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current taxes:
Federal provision (benefit)	$ 1,700	$ 50	$ (12)
State provision (benefit)	266	(90)	7
Foreign provision	650	1,260	723
Total current tax provision	2,616	1,220	718
Deferred taxes:
Federal provision	54,906	40,155	39,041
State provision (benefit)	8,803	(77)	8,240
Foreign provision (benefit)	(333)	165	(51)
Total deferred tax provision	63,376	40,243	47,230
Total income tax provision	$ 65,992	$ 41,463	$ 47,948

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Tax Reconciliation Arizona Tax Law Change	$ 99	$ (5,525)	$ (3,975)
Deferred Tax Assets, in Process Research and Development	4,700
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	3,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign	2,900
Foreign Tax Credit Carry Forward Valuation Allowance Increase	1,100
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	$ 916	$ 1,150	$ 1,259
Income tax examination, description	The Company’s corporate U.S. federal and state tax returns from 2010 to 2014 remain subject to examination by tax authorities and the Company’s foreign tax returns from 2009 to 2014 remain subject to examination by tax authorities.
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforward Expiration Dates	2,016
Research And Development Tax Credit Expiration Date	2,028
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Dates	2,020
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforward Expiration Dates	2,035
Research And Development Tax Credit Expiration Date	2,035
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Dates	2,025
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 245,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2,010
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2,014
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation Allowance Decrease	$ 2,700
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 300
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2,009
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2,014

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected provision at U.S. federal statutory tax rate	$ 25,590	$ 40,766	$ 38,668
State taxes, net of federal benefit	11,663	4,991	9,048
State tax valuation allowance	(2,763)	380	3,151
Arizona tax law change	99	(5,525)	(3,975)
Impairment of goodwill	30,464
Other nondeductible expenses	557	903	1,185
Liability for uncertain tax positions			(146)
Tax credits	(97)	(994)	(849)
Foreign taxes and other items	479	942	866
Total income tax provision	$ 65,992	$ 41,463	$ 47,948

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets
Long-term contracts	$ 64,287	$ 49,207
Deferred revenue	8,312	6,357
Federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits	104,996	133,021
Other	24,603	24,571
Total deferred tax assets	202,198	213,156
Valuation allowance	(4,529)	(6,806)
Net deferred tax assets	197,669	206,350
Deferred tax liabilities
Fixed assets and intangibles	(101,107)	(95,797)
Research and development expenditures	(379,220)	(335,833)
Other	(14,174)	(8,753)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(494,501)	(440,383)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$ (296,832)	$ (234,033)

Income Taxes (Details 4)

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at January 1,	$ 1,150	$ 1,259
Change attributable to tax positions taken in a prior period	50	(51)
Change attributable to final assessment	(311)
Change attributable to tax positions taken in the current period	29	8
Decrease attributable to lapse of statute of limitations	(2)	(66)
Balance at December 31,	$ 916	$ 1,150

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (De

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders									$ (8,313)	$ 62,669	$ 55,517
Numerator for diluted net income per share									$ (8,313)	$ 74,989	$ 62,517
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares									95,097	88,080	76,909
Denominator for diluted net income per share									95,097	109,400	87,511
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - basic	$ (0.77)	$ 0.27	$ 0.23	$ 0.18	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.14	$ 0.19	$ (0.09)	$ 0.71	$ 0.72
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	$ (0.77)	$ 0.24	$ 0.21	$ 0.17	$ 0.19	$ 0.17	$ 0.14	$ 0.19	$ (0.09)	$ 0.69	$ 0.71
Equity Option [Member]
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of stock options										85
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Dividends on Preferred Stock										$ 7,000	$ 7,000
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of Preferred Stock										10,602	10,602
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Dividends on Preferred Stock										$ 5,320
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of Preferred Stock										10,633

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (69

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details Textual) - shares shares in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options Granted - Shares			885
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share			1,300	1,300	900
Granted - Restricted Stock Units		100
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share				3,600	5,200
Options Granted - Shares		200
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share				300	400
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Granted - Restricted Stock Units	100
Subsequent Event [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options Granted - Shares	100

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, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 106,418		$ 106,034		$ 101,919		$ 97,007		$ 100,511	$ 107,493	$ 102,521	$ 98,032	$ 411,378	$ 408,557	$ 382,649
Operating income (loss)	(48,543)	[1]	46,539	[1]	42,334	[1]	33,473	[1]	31,841	33,013	29,713	28,344	73,803	122,911	109,894
Net income	$ (69,431)		$ 29,547		$ 25,988		$ 21,019		$ 23,039	$ 20,388	$ 15,019	$ 16,543	$ 7,123	$ 74,989	$ 62,517
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - basic	$ (0.77)		$ 0.27		$ 0.23		$ 0.18		$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.14	$ 0.19	$ (0.09)	$ 0.71	$ 0.72
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - diluted	$ (0.77)		$ 0.24		$ 0.21		$ 0.17		$ 0.19	$ 0.17	$ 0.14	$ 0.19	$ (0.09)	$ 0.69	$ 0.71
[1]	Includes a goodwill impairment charge with decreased operating income by $87.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015.

Schedule of Quarterly Financi71

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Decrease in operating income	$ 87