Iridium Communications (IRDM) 10-Q 27 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 24, 2016
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
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		95,771,083

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 374,006	$ 185,665
Marketable securities	52,368	203,329
Accounts receivable, net	61,608	51,668
Inventory	21,419	27,926
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,798	13,130
Total current assets	531,199	481,718
Property and equipment, net	2,696,208	2,443,567
Restricted cash	113,101	91,112
Other assets	11,720	8,188
Intangible assets, net	45,992	46,589
Total assets	3,398,220	3,071,174
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	37,661	31,525
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	29,391	29,402
Interest payable	9,954	3,720
Deferred revenue	37,682	36,967
Total current liabilities	114,688	101,614
Accrued satellite operations and maintenance expense, net of current portion	13,401	14,182
Credit facility, net	1,546,777	1,388,766
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	344,676	296,832
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	32,254	28,567
Other long-term liabilities	27,540	12,492
Total liabilities	2,079,336	1,842,453
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 300,000 shares authorized, 95,763 and 95,126 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	96	95
Additional paid-in capital	1,055,982	1,044,488
Retained earnings	268,553	193,201
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(5,747)	(9,063)
Total stockholders' equity	1,318,884	1,228,721
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,398,220	3,071,174
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Value
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Value

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Parenthetical] - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	95,763,000	95,126,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	95,763,000	95,126,000
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

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue:
Services	$ 87,316	$ 81,200	$ 250,625	$ 234,640
Subscriber equipment	19,900	21,180	57,822	56,488
Engineering and support services	5,578	3,654	17,744	13,832
Total revenue	112,794	106,034	326,191	304,960
Operating expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	15,936	13,990	48,287	43,192
Cost of subscriber equipment	11,476	11,559	33,798	31,487
Research and development	5,038	3,480	11,610	12,028
Selling, general and administrative	18,767	17,534	60,133	56,800
Depreciation and amortization	11,809	12,932	37,588	39,107
Total operating expenses	63,026	59,495	191,416	182,614
Operating income	49,768	46,539	134,775	122,346
Other income (expense):
Interest income, net	700	263	2,258	2,292
Undrawn credit facility fees	(305)	(774)	(1,176)	(2,621)
Other income (expense), net	39	(112)	359	(111)
Total other income (expense), net	434	(623)	1,441	(440)
Income before income taxes	50,202	45,916	136,216	121,906
Provision for income taxes	(18,647)	(16,369)	(49,287)	(45,352)
Net income	31,555	29,547	86,929	76,554
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 27,696	$ 25,688	$ 75,352	$ 64,977
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	96,067	95,317	95,890	94,972
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	123,690	122,696	123,408	122,655
Net income attributable to common stockholders per share - basic	$ 0.29	$ 0.27	$ 0.79	$ 0.68
Net income attributable to common stockholders per share - diluted	$ 0.26	$ 0.24	$ 0.70	$ 0.62
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 31,555	$ 29,547	$ 86,929	$ 76,554
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	222	(2,797)	3,157	(4,176)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	(108)	(160)	159	(72)
Comprehensive income	31,669	26,590	90,245	72,306
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Other income (expense):
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Total	1,750	1,750	5,250	5,250
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Other income (expense):
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Total	$ 2,109	$ 2,109	$ 6,327	$ 6,327

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 164,559	$ 162,938
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(231,791)	(251,797)
Purchases of marketable securities	(19,865)	(173,712)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	170,290	212,178
Net cash used in investing activities	(81,366)	(213,331)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under the Credit Facility	148,050	152,637
Payment of deferred financing fees	(9,608)	(9,832)
Restricted cash deposits	(21,989)	(2,527)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	390	2,074
Tax payment upon settlement of stock awards	(606)	(829)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	742
Net cash provided by financing activities	104,660	130,688
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	488	(862)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	188,341	79,433
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	185,665	211,249
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	374,006	290,682
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	10,985	8,911
Income taxes paid, net	1,002	1,819
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Property and equipment received but not paid for yet	31,018	30,818
Interest capitalized but not paid	33,110	27,640
Capitalized amortization of deferred financing costs	19,569	13,752
Capitalized paid-in-kind interest	25,136	20,282
Capitalized stock-based compensation	1,926	623
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of Preferred Stock dividends	(5,250)	(5,250)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
Dividends Payable	292	292
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of Preferred Stock dividends	(6,327)	(6,327)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
Dividends Payable	$ 352	$ 352

Basis of Presentation and Princ

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	1. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Iridium Communications Inc. (the “Company”) has prepared its condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) the Company, (ii) its wholly owned subsidiaries, and (iii) all less than wholly owned subsidiaries that the Company controls. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of its results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods covered, and of the financial position of the Company at the date of the interim condensed consolidated balance sheet. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to instructions, rules and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	2. Significant Accounting Policies Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Credit facility $ 1,669,872 $ 1,521,822 Deferred financing costs (123,095 ) (133,056 ) Credit facility, net $ 1,546,777 $ 1,388,766 Recent Accounting Developments In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , but recognizing the lease liability and related right-of-use asset will impact its balance sheet. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Changes in the warranty reserve during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Balance at beginning of the period $ 3,320 Provision 413 Utilization (1,080 ) Balance at end of the period $ 2,653 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 in the accompanying condensed 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 in the accompanying condensed 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 and are included in marketable securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. 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. Depreciation and Amortization The Company calculates depreciation expense using the straight line method and evaluates the appropriateness of the useful life used on a quarterly basis or as events occur that require additional assessment. In addition to the changes made in prior quarters, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company updated its estimate of the current satellites’ remaining useful lives based on the continued refinement of the launch schedule, health of the existing constellation, and deployment plan for the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation (“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. The $1.5 million decrease in depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the prior year is primarily related to the continued refinement in the estimated useful lives, partially offset by the addition of new assets and the impairment of two lost satellites during the second quarter of 2016. No satellite losses occurred during 2015. The Company will continue to evaluate the useful lives of its current satellites on an ongoing basis through the full deployment of Iridium NEXT as the satellites are placed into service. The Company does not believe the loss of these satellites in 2016 is an indicator of impairment of the remaining individual satellites or the constellation as of September 30, 2016. The changes in estimate will also have an effect on future periods through the deployment of Iridium NEXT.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Rest

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities	3. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. These investments, along with cash deposited in institutional money market funds, commercial paper, regular interest bearing and non-interest bearing depository accounts, are classified as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents: September 30, December 31, Recurring Fair 2016 2015 Value (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 114,237 $ 67,005 Money market funds 254,530 118,660 Level 1 Commercial paper 5,239 - Level 2 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 374,006 $ 185,665 Restricted Cash The Company is required to maintain a minimum cash reserve for debt service related to its $1.8 billion loan facility (the “Credit Facility”) (see Note 4). As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 $113.1 million and $91.1 million, respectively. 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 in the accompanying condensed 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of its investments to identify other-than-temporary declines in value. The Company determined that the decline in fair value of its investments is temporary at September 30, 2016 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. The following tables summarize the Company’s marketable securities: As of September 30, 2016 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated Recurring Fair Cost Unrealized Unrealized Losses Fair Value Value Measurement (in thousands) Fixed-income debt securities $ 39,977 $ 37 $ (4 ) $ 40,010 Level 2 U.S. treasury notes 12,336 22 - 12,358 Level 2 Total marketable securities $ 52,313 $ 59 $ (4 ) $ 52,368 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 The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Company’s marketable securities: As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Cost Value Cost Value (in thousands) Mature within one year $ 35,954 $ 35,981 $ 169,728 $ 169,619 Mature after one year and within three years 16,359 16,387 33,808 33,710 Total $ 52,313 $ 52,368 $ 203,536 $ 203,329

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	4. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Thales In June 2010, the Company executed a primarily fixed-price full-scale development contract (the “FSD”) with Thales Alenia Space France (“Thales”) for the design and build of satellites for Iridium NEXT. The total price under the FSD is $2.3 billion, and the Company expects payment obligations under the FSD to extend through 2018. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had made aggregate payments of $1,671.7 million to Thales, of which $1,417.0 million were from borrowings under the Credit Facility, and which were capitalized as construction in progress within property and equipment, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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, 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 flows, including contracted cash flows from hosted payloads and potential cash flows from Iridium PRIME SM 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 a launch failure is $468.1 million. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had made aggregate payments of $338.7 million to SpaceX, which were capitalized as construction in progress within property and equipment, net in the accompanying condensed 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. 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”). 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 September 30, 2016, the Company had made aggregate payments of $36.8 million to Kosmotras, which were capitalized as construction in progress within property and equipment, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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. Kosmotras has to date been unable to obtain permission to launch the Company’s satellites, and the Company is exploring other options to launch additional satellites. The Company may also be unable to recover the amounts already paid to Kosmotras. 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”). As of September 30, 2016, the Company reported $1,546.8 million in borrowings from the credit facility in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, net of $123.1 million of deferred financing costs, for an aggregate total of $1,669.9 million in borrowings. The unused portion of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016 was $130.1 million. Pursuant to the Credit Facility, the Company maintains a minimum cash reserve for debt repayment. As of September 30, 2016, the minimum required cash reserve balance was $113.0 million, which is classified as restricted cash in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The minimum cash reserve requirement will increase to $189.0 million in 2017. Interest costs incurred under the Credit Facility were $19.8 million and $57.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $16.7 million and $47.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. All interest costs incurred related to the Credit Facility have been capitalized during the construction period of the Iridium NEXT assets. The Company pays interest on a semi-annual basis in April and October through a combination of a cash payment and a deemed additional loan. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 3,720 $ 8,514 $ 12,234 Interest incurred 17,219 39,778 56,997 Interest payments (10,985 ) (25,136 ) (36,121 ) Ending interest payable $ 9,954 $ 23,156 $ 33,110 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 2,936 $ 6,653 $ 9,589 Interest incurred 14,416 32,827 47,243 Interest payments (8,911 ) (20,282 ) (29,193 ) Ending interest payable $ 8,441 $ 19,198 $ 27,639 Contingencies From time to time, in the normal course of business, the Company is party to various pending claims and lawsuits. The Company is not aware of any such actions that it would expect to have a material adverse impact on its business, financial results or financial condition.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	5. 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 condensed 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 likelihood that the Company achieves the defined performance goals. The level of achievement of performance goals, if any, is determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. In May 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. Members of the Company’s board of directors received a portion of their annual compensation in the form of equity awards under the 2015 Plan. An aggregate amount of approximately 126,000 RSUs were granted in January 2016, which will vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of the RSUs granted to the directors in January 2016 was $1.0 million. In January 2015, an aggregate amount of approximately 103,000 stock options and 62,000 RSUs were granted to the board of directors, with 25% vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter in 2015. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options and RSUs granted to the directors in January 2015 was $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company granted approximately 249,000 and 742,000 $2.9 million, respectively. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company granted 596,000 $5.6 million In March 2016, the Company awarded approximately 1,335,000 performance-based RSUs to the Company’s executives and employees (the “Bonus 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 the March 2016 Bonus RSUs is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of defined performance goals for the 2016 fiscal year. Management believes it is probable that certain RSUs will vest. The level of achievement, if any, of performance goals will be determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and, if such goals are achieved, the March 2016 Bonus RSUs will vest, subject to continued employment, in March 2017. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of the March 2016 Bonus RSUs was $9.4 million. Additionally, in March 2016 and March 2015, the Company awarded approximately 119,000 and 161,000 $1.5 million for the 2015 grants In June 2016 and June 2015, the Company granted approximately 35,000 RSUs and 30,000 stock options, respectively, to non-employee consultants. The RSUs and stock options are generally subject to service-based vesting. The RSUs vest 50% in June 2017 and quarterly thereafter through June 2018. The stock options vest quarterly through June 2017. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of the RSUs granted to non-employee consultants in June 2016 was $0.3 million. 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. The estimated aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted to non-employee consultants in June 2015 was $0.2 million.

Equity Transactions and Instrum

Equity Transactions and Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity Transactions and Instruments	6. Equity Transactions and Instruments 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 September 30, 2016. 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 were 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 pari passu 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). During each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid cash dividends of $1.8 million and $5.3 million, respectively, to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock. As of September 30, 2016 and 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 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. 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 underwriter discount and $0.4 million of 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 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). During each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid cash dividends of $2.1 million and $6.3 million, respectively, to holders of the Series B Preferred Stock. As of September 30, 2016 and 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 in the accompanying condensed 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.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	7. Net Income Per Share The Company calculates basic net income per share by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income 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, is computed using the treasury stock method. The effect of potential dilutive common shares from the conversion of outstanding convertible preferred securities is computed using the as-if converted method at the stated conversion rate. The RSUs granted to members of the Company’s board of directors contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered to be participating securities in periods of net income. The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share excludes net income attributable to the unvested RSUs from the numerator and excludes the impact of unvested RSUs from the denominator. The computations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic net income per share) $ 27,696 $ 25,688 Dividends on Series A Preferred Stock 1,750 1,750 Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock 2,109 2,109 Numerator for diluted net income per share $ 31,555 $ 29,547 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 96,067 95,317 Dilutive effect of stock options 293 31 Dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares - 18 Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock 10,602 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B Preferred Stock 16,728 16,728 Denominator for diluted net income per share 123,690 122,696 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 0.29 $ 0.27 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 0.26 $ 0.24 For the three months ended September 30, 2016, options to purchase 2.8 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, 1.4 million unvested non-performance-based RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic net income per share and not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive, and 1.7 million unvested performance-based RSUs were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share, as certain performance criteria have not been satisfied. For the three months ended September 30, 2015, options to purchase 4.9 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, 1.4 million unvested non-performance based RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic net income per share and not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive, and 0.4 million unvested performance-based RSUs were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share, as certain performance criteria have not been satisfied. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic net income per share) $ 75,352 $ 64,977 Dividends on Series A Preferred Stock 5,250 5,250 Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock 6,327 6,327 Numerator for diluted net income per share $ 86,929 $ 76,554 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 95,890 94,972 Dilutive effect of stock options 188 316 Dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares - 37 Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock 10,602 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B Preferred Stock 16,728 16,728 Denominator for diluted net income per share 123,408 122,655 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 0.79 $ 0.68 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 0.70 $ 0.62 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, options to purchase 4.0 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 1.4 million unvested non-performance-based RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic net income per share and not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive, and 1.5 million unvested performance-based RSUs were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share, as certain performance criteria has not been satisfied. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, options to purchase 1.8 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, 1.4 million unvested non-performance-based RSUs were excluded from the computation of basic net income per share and not included in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive, and 0.5 million unvested performance-based RSUs were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share, as certain performance criteria have not been satisfied.

Significant Accounting Polici13

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Credit facility $ 1,669,872 $ 1,521,822 Deferred financing costs (123,095 ) (133,056 ) Credit facility, net $ 1,546,777 $ 1,388,766
Recent Accounting Developments	Recent Accounting Developments In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , but recognizing the lease liability and related right-of-use asset will impact its balance sheet. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
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 condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Changes in the warranty reserve during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Balance at beginning of the period $ 3,320 Provision 413 Utilization (1,080 ) Balance at end of the period $ 2,653
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 in the accompanying condensed 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 in the accompanying condensed 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 and are included in marketable securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. 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.
Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and Amortization The Company calculates depreciation expense using the straight line method and evaluates the appropriateness of the useful life used on a quarterly basis or as events occur that require additional assessment. In addition to the changes made in prior quarters, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company updated its estimate of the current satellites’ remaining useful lives based on the continued refinement of the launch schedule, health of the existing constellation, and deployment plan for the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation (“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. The $1.5 million decrease in depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the prior year is primarily related to the continued refinement in the estimated useful lives, partially offset by the addition of new assets and the impairment of two lost satellites during the second quarter of 2016. No satellite losses occurred during 2015. The Company will continue to evaluate the useful lives of its current satellites on an ongoing basis through the full deployment of Iridium NEXT as the satellites are placed into service. The Company does not believe the loss of these satellites in 2016 is an indicator of impairment of the remaining individual satellites or the constellation as of September 30, 2016. The changes in estimate will also have an effect on future periods through the deployment of Iridium NEXT.

Significant Accounting Polici14

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Credit Facilities	The implementation of this accounting standard resulted in a reduction of $123.1 million and $133.1 million in the deferred financing costs asset and in the credit facility as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, as shown below. September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Credit facility $ 1,669,872 $ 1,521,822 Deferred financing costs (123,095 ) (133,056 ) Credit facility, net $ 1,546,777 $ 1,388,766
Schedule of Changes in Warranty Reserve	Changes in the warranty reserve during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Balance at beginning of the period $ 3,320 Provision 413 Utilization (1,080 ) Balance at end of the period $ 2,653

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Re15

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents: September 30, December 31, Recurring Fair 2016 2015 Value (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 114,237 $ 67,005 Money market funds 254,530 118,660 Level 1 Commercial paper 5,239 - Level 2 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 374,006 $ 185,665
Summary of Company's Marketable Securities	The following tables summarize the Company’s marketable securities: As of September 30, 2016 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated Recurring Fair Cost Unrealized Unrealized Losses Fair Value Value Measurement (in thousands) Fixed-income debt securities $ 39,977 $ 37 $ (4 ) $ 40,010 Level 2 U.S. treasury notes 12,336 22 - 12,358 Level 2 Total marketable securities $ 52,313 $ 59 $ (4 ) $ 52,368 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
Summary of Contractual Maturities of Company's Marketable Securities	The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Company’s marketable securities: As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Cost Value Cost Value (in thousands) Mature within one year $ 35,954 $ 35,981 $ 169,728 $ 169,619 Mature after one year and within three years 16,359 16,387 33,808 33,710 Total $ 52,313 $ 52,368 $ 203,536 $ 203,329

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Interest Activity for Credit Facility	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 3,720 $ 8,514 $ 12,234 Interest incurred 17,219 39,778 56,997 Interest payments (10,985 ) (25,136 ) (36,121 ) Ending interest payable $ 9,954 $ 23,156 $ 33,110 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Cash Deemed Loan Total (in thousands) Beginning interest payable $ 2,936 $ 6,653 $ 9,589 Interest incurred 14,416 32,827 47,243 Interest payments (8,911 ) (20,282 ) (29,193 ) Ending interest payable $ 8,441 $ 19,198 $ 27,639

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	The computations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic net income per share) $ 27,696 $ 25,688 Dividends on Series A Preferred Stock 1,750 1,750 Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock 2,109 2,109 Numerator for diluted net income per share $ 31,555 $ 29,547 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 96,067 95,317 Dilutive effect of stock options 293 31 Dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares - 18 Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock 10,602 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B Preferred Stock 16,728 16,728 Denominator for diluted net income per share 123,690 122,696 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 0.29 $ 0.27 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 0.26 $ 0.24 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic net income per share) $ 75,352 $ 64,977 Dividends on Series A Preferred Stock 5,250 5,250 Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock 6,327 6,327 Numerator for diluted net income per share $ 86,929 $ 76,554 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares 95,890 94,972 Dilutive effect of stock options 188 316 Dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares - 37 Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock 10,602 10,602 Dilutive effect of Series B Preferred Stock 16,728 16,728 Denominator for diluted net income per share 123,408 122,655 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 0.79 $ 0.68 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 0.70 $ 0.62

Significant Accounting Polici18

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net	$ 123,095	$ 133,056
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 depreciation expense	$ 1,500

Significant Accounting Polici19

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Credit facility	$ 1,669,872	$ 1,521,822
Deferred financing costs	(123,095)	(133,056)
Credit facility, net	$ 1,546,777	$ 1,388,766

Significant Accounting Polici20

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 3,320
Provision	413
Utilization	(1,080)
Balance at end of the period	$ 2,653

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Re21

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash	$ 114,237	$ 67,005
Total cash and cash equivalents	374,006	185,665	$ 290,682	$ 211,249
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Money market funds	254,530	$ 118,660
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Commercial paper	$ 5,239

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Re22

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 04, 2010
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 113,101,000		$ 113,101,000		$ 91,112,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,800,000,000		1,800,000,000			$ 1,800,000,000
Realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Re23

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	$ 52,313	$ 203,536
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	59	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(211)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	52,368	203,329
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Notes Securities [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	12,336	12,079
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	22	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(10)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	12,358	12,069
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost		9,821
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value		9,820
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Income Debt Securities [Member]
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	39,977	181,636
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	37	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(200)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value	$ 40,010	$ 181,440

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Re24

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Marketable securities:
Mature within one year - Amortized Cost	$ 35,954	$ 169,728
Mature after one year and within three years - Amortized Cost	16,359	33,808
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost	52,313	203,536
Mature within one year - Estimated Fair Value	35,981	169,619
Mature after one year and within three years - Estimated Fair Value	16,387	33,710
Total - Estimated Fair Value	$ 52,368	$ 203,329

Commitments and Contingencies25

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)	Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)LaunchSatellite	Mar. 31, 2010USD ($)Launch	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015Launch	Jun. 30, 2010USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 04, 2010USD ($)
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						$ 1,800,000,000			$ 1,800,000,000				$ 1,800,000,000
Credit facility, net						1,546,777,000			1,546,777,000			$ 1,388,766,000
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net						123,095,000			123,095,000			133,056,000
Credit facility						1,669,872,000			1,669,872,000			$ 1,521,822,000
Minimum required cash reserve balance for credit facility						113,000,000			113,000,000
Credit facility, interest expense						19,800,000	$ 16,700,000		56,997,000	$ 47,243,000
Credit facility, commitment fee paid			$ 1,200,000
Credit facility, commitment fee payable on undrawn portion						700,000			700,000
Scenario Forecast [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Minimum required cash reserve balance for credit facility											$ 189,000,000
Syndicate of Bank Lenders Credit Facility [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Unused portion credit facility						130,100,000			$ 130,100,000
Cash commitment fee percentage									0.80%
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						1,671,700,000			$ 1,671,700,000
Borrowings under credit facility						1,417,000,000			$ 1,417,000,000
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, 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 flows
Percentage of invoice paid by credit facility									85.00%
Percentage of invoice paid by cash									15.00%
Expected percentage of invoice paid by cash and marketable securities									100.00%
Space Exploration Technologies Corp [Member]
Purchase Commitment Excluding Longterm Commitment [Line Items]
Contract aggregate payment						338,700,000			$ 338,700,000
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			$ 36,800,000
Number of launch option exercised | Launch	1
Number of Satellites to carry under exercised option | Satellite	2
Total contract amount	$ 51,800,000
Maximum number of dedicated launches purchased | Launch				6

Commitments and Contingencies26

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning interest payable, Cash			$ 3,720	$ 2,936
Interest incurred, Cash			17,219	14,416
Interest payments, Cash			(10,985)	(8,911)
Ending interest payable, Cash	$ 9,954	$ 8,441	9,954	8,441
Beginning interest payable, Deemed Loan			8,514	6,653
Interest incurred, Deemed Loan			39,778	32,827
Interest payments, Deemed Loan			(25,136)	(20,282)
Ending interest payable, Deemed Loan	23,156	19,198	23,156	19,198
Beginning interest payable, Total			12,234	9,589
Credit facility, interest expense	19,800	16,700	56,997	47,243
Interest payments, Total			(36,121)	(29,193)
Ending interest payable, Total	$ 33,110	$ 27,639	$ 33,110	$ 27,639

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units			126			62
Fair value of restricted stock units			$ 1			$ 0.6
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage						25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Non Employee Consultants [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units	35
Fair value of restricted stock units	$ 0.3
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Non Employee Consultants [Member] | Vesting on First Anniversary of Grant Date [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	50.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Non Employee Consultants [Member] | Quarterly Vest in Second Year [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	12.50%
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							249	742
Grant date fair value of stock options							$ 0.9	$ 2.9
Share-based compensation Vesting Period							4 years	4 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage							6.25%	6.25%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Vesting on First Anniversary of Grant Date [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage							25.00%	25.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [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
Grant date fair value of stock options						$ 0.4
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member] | Vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly vesting percentage						25.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Non Employee Consultants [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
Grant date fair value of stock options				$ 0.2
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Non Employee Consultants [Member] | Quarterly Vest in Second Year [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				12.50%
Service Based R S U [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units							573	596
Fair value of restricted stock units							$ 4	$ 5.6
Share-based compensation Vesting Period							4 years	4 years
Service Based R S U [Member] | Vesting on the last day of each calendar quarter [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage							6.25%	6.25%
Service Based R S U [Member] | Vesting on First Anniversary of Grant Date [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage							25.00%	25.00%
Bonus RSUs [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units		1,335
Fair value of restricted stock units		$ 9.4
Performance Based RSU [Member] | Executives [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, restricted stock units		119			161
Fair value of restricted stock units		$ 0.8			$ 1.5
Share-based compensation Vesting Period		2 years			2 years
Performance Based RSU [Member] | Executives [Member] | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		0.00%			0.00%
Performance Based RSU [Member] | Executives [Member] | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		150.00%			150.00%
Performance Based RSU [Member] | Executives [Member] | Vesting in March of Second Year After Grant [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		50.00%			50.00%
Performance Based RSU [Member] | Executives [Member] | Vesting in March of Third Year After Grant [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		50.00%			50.00%

Equity Transactions and Instr28

Equity Transactions and Instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		2,000,000			2,000,000
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.0001			$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued	500,000			1,000,000
Shares of preferred stock, undesignated and unissued		500,000			500,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		1,000,000			1,000,000		1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.0001			$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued		1,000,000			1,000,000		1,000,000
Annual rate of preferred stock, per share				$ 7
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share				$ 100
Shares of common stock converted at initial conversion				10.6022
Initial conversion price of common stock				$ 9.43
Dividends on Preferred Stock		$ 1,750	$ 1,750		$ 5,250	$ 5,250
Accrued dividends on preferred stock		$ 292	292		$ 292	292	$ 300
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		500,000
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.0001			$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued		500,000			500,000		500,000
Dividend rate on preferred stock	6.75%
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
Dividends on Preferred Stock		$ 2,109	2,109		$ 6,327	6,327
Accrued dividends on preferred stock		$ 352	$ 352		$ 352	$ 352	$ 400
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

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic net income per share)	$ 27,696	$ 25,688	$ 75,352	$ 64,977
Numerator for diluted net income per share	$ 31,555	$ 29,547	$ 86,929	$ 76,554
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average outstanding common shares	96,067	95,317	95,890	94,972
Dilutive effect of contingently issuable shares	0	18		37
Denominator for diluted net income per share	123,690	122,696	123,408	122,655
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic	$ 0.29	$ 0.27	$ 0.79	$ 0.68
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted	$ 0.26	$ 0.24	$ 0.70	$ 0.62
Equity Option [Member]
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of stock options	293	31	188	316
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Dividends on Preferred Stock	$ 1,750	$ 1,750	$ 5,250	$ 5,250
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of Preferred Stock	10,602	10,602	10,602	10,602
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Dividends on Preferred Stock	$ 2,109	$ 2,109	$ 6,327	$ 6,327
Denominator:
Dilutive effect of Preferred Stock	16,728	16,728	16,728	16,728

Net Income Per Share (Details T

Net Income Per Share (Details Textual) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
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	2.8	4.9	4	1.8
Unvested Non-Performance-Based 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	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.4
Unvested Performance-Based 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	1.7	0.4	1.5	0.5