Intelsat (INTEQ) 20-F 26 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	20-F
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	I
Entity Registrant Name	INTELSAT S.A.
Entity Central Index Key	1,525,773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	119,555,279

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 525,215	$ 666,024
Restricted cash	16,176	0
Receivables, net of allowances of $54,744 in 2016 and $29,669 in 2017	221,223	203,036
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	56,862	55,908
Total current assets	819,476	924,968
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,923,619	6,185,842
Goodwill	2,620,627	2,620,627
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,452,900	2,452,900
Amortizable intangible assets, net	349,584	391,838
Other assets	443,830	365,834
Total assets	12,610,036	12,942,009
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	116,396	215,987
Taxes payable	12,007	16,733
Employee related liabilities	29,328	50,178
Accrued interest payable	263,207	204,840
Current portion of long-term debt	96,572	0
Deferred satellite performance incentives	25,780	23,455
Deferred revenue	149,749	157,684
Other current liabilities	47,287	64,786
Total current liabilities	740,326	733,663
Long-term debt, net of current portion	14,112,086	14,198,084
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	215,352	210,706
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	794,707	906,744
Deferred income taxes	48,434	168,445
Accrued retirement benefits	191,079	186,284
Other long-term liabilities	296,616	148,081
Shareholders' deficit:
Common shares; nominal value $0.01 per share	1,196	1,180
Paid-in capital	2,173,367	2,156,911
Accumulated deficit	(5,894,659)	(5,715,931)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(87,774)	(76,305)
Total Intelsat S.A. shareholders' deficit	(3,807,870)	(3,634,145)
Noncontrolling interest	19,306	24,147
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ 12,610,036	$ 12,942,009

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowances	$ 29,669	$ 54,744
Common shares, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 538,140	$ 538,759	$ 533,229	$ 538,484	$ 550,694	$ 542,727	$ 541,983	$ 552,643	$ 2,148,612	$ 2,188,047	$ 2,352,521
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)									322,216	341,147	328,501
Selling, general and administrative									204,015	231,397	199,412
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles											4,165,400
Depreciation and amortization									707,824	694,891	687,729
Total operating expenses									1,234,055	1,267,435	5,381,042
Income (loss) from operations	233,815	234,033	229,113	217,596	233,705	220,410	227,324	239,173	914,557	920,612	(3,028,521)
Interest expense (income), net									1,020,770	938,501	890,279
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt									(4,109)	1,030,092	7,061
Other income (expense), net									6,638	(2,105)	(6,201)
Income (loss) before income taxes									(103,684)	1,010,098	(3,917,940)
Provision for income taxes									71,130	15,986	1,513
Net income (loss)	(88,956)	(29,416)	(22,800)	(33,642)	663,803	196,605	117,412	16,292	(174,814)	994,112	(3,919,453)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(3,914)	(3,915)	(3,934)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	(89,951)	(30,412)	(23,795)	(34,570)	662,820	195,622	116,429	15,326	(178,728)	990,197	(3,923,387)
Cumulative preferred dividends											(9,919)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (89,951)	$ (30,412)	$ (23,795)	$ (34,570)	$ 662,820	$ 195,622	$ 116,429	$ 15,326	$ (178,728)	$ 990,197	$ (3,933,306)
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
Basic	$ (0.75)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.29)	$ 5.62	$ 1.66	$ 1.02	$ 0.14	$ (1.50)	$ 8.65	$ (36.68)
Diluted	$ (0.75)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.29)	$ 5.56	$ 1.65	$ 0.98	$ 0.13	$ (1.50)	$ 8.36	$ (36.68)

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (174,814)	$ 994,112	$ (3,919,453)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net periodic pension costs and other, net of tax	21	(5)	(248)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss included in net periodic pension costs, net of tax	2,074	2,223	5,244
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of tax	(13,896)	(177)	22,943
Curtailment gain, net of tax of $3.8 million			6,510
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	567	285	(21)
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on investments, net of tax	(235)	(192)	(340)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,469)	2,134	34,088
Comprehensive income (loss)	(186,283)	996,246	(3,885,365)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(3,914)	(3,915)	(3,934)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$ (190,197)	$ 992,331	$ (3,889,299)

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Curtailment gain, net of tax	$ 3.8

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Deficit - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Intelsat S.A. Shareholders' Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 35	$ 1,067	$ 2,117,898	$ (2,782,741)	$ (112,527)	$ (776,268)	$ 33,701
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		3.5	106.7
Net income (loss)	$ (3,923,387)				(3,923,387)		(3,923,387)	3,934
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests								(8,423)
Share-based compensation			$ 9	25,912			25,921
Share-based compensation (in Shares)			0.9
Declaration of preferred stock dividend				(9,919)			(9,919)
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax						27,939	27,939
Curtailment gain, net of tax of $3.8 million	6,510					6,510	6,510
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax						(361)	(361)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015		$ 35	$ 1,076	2,133,891	(6,706,128)	(78,439)	(4,649,565)	29,212
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		3.5	107.6
Net income (loss)	990,197				990,197		990,197	3,915
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(8,980)							(8,980)
Share-based compensation	23,089		$ 8	23,081			23,089
Share-based compensation (in Shares)			0.8
Preferred shares conversion, value		$ (35)	$ 96	(61)
Preferred shares conversion, shares		(3.5)	9.6
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax						2,041	2,041
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	93					93	93
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	(3,634,145)		$ 1,180	2,156,911	(5,715,931)	(76,305)	(3,634,145)	24,147
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016			118
Net income (loss)	(178,728)				(178,728)		(178,728)	3,914
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(8,755)							(8,755)
Share-based compensation	16,472		$ 16	16,456			16,472
Share-based compensation (in Shares)			1.6
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax						(11,801)	(11,801)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	332					332	332
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ (3,807,870)		$ 1,196	$ 2,173,367	$ (5,894,659)	$ (87,774)	$ (3,807,870)	$ 19,306
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017			119.6

Consolidated Statements of Cha8

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Deficit (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Curtailment gain, net of tax			$ 3.8
Intelsat S.A. Shareholders' Deficit [Member]
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, tax	$ (3.1)	$ 1	16.5
Curtailment gain, net of tax			3.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ (0.2)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (174,814)	$ 994,112	$ (3,919,453)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles			4,165,400
Depreciation and amortization	707,824	694,891	687,729
Provision for doubtful accounts	(4,094)	24,591	7,432
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	(876)	(3,300)	11,374
Loss on disposal of assets	45	20	16
Share-based compensation	15,995	23,222	25,768
Deferred income taxes	43,931	(9,737)	(9,348)
Amortization of discount, premium, issuance costs and related costs	48,696	24,622	20,119
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt	4,109	(1,030,092)	(7,061)
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments	275	(764)	(24,024)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credits for retirement benefits	3,287	3,361	7,899
Other non-cash items	(287)	1,186	75
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(14,333)	6,478	(34,642)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(24,776)	(51,321)	(25,780)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(42,337)	35,850	1,542
Accrued interest payable	58,367	47,065	(2)
Deferred revenue	(134,577)	(58,796)	51,805
Accrued retirement benefits	(13,422)	(9,385)	(20,707)
Other long-term liabilities	(8,783)	(8,497)	(28,111)
Net cash provided by operating activities	464,230	683,506	910,031
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	(461,627)	(714,570)	(724,362)
Purchase of cost method investments	(25,744)	(4,000)	(25,000)
Capital contribution to unconsolidated affiliate	(30,714)	(12,019)
Proceeds from insurance settlements	49,788
Other investing activities			8
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(468,297)	(730,589)	(749,354)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,500,000	1,250,000	430,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,500,000)	(328,944)	(496,829)
Debt issuance costs	(41,237)	(38,393)
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt		(32)
Payments on tender, debt exchange and consent	(14)	(293,276)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders		(4,959)	(9,919)
Other payments for satellites	(35,396)	(18,333)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	(37,186)	(17,429)	(19,568)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(8,755)	(8,980)	(8,423)
Restricted cash for collateral	(16,160)
Other financing activities	890	1,942	1,753
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(137,858)	541,596	(102,986)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,116	(30)	(9,297)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(140,809)	494,483	48,394
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	666,024	171,541	123,147
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	525,215	666,024	171,541
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	915,627	870,370	894,465
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	33,731	22,687	26,324
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures and payments for satellites	38,450	127,008	82,208
Capitalization of deferred satellite performance incentives	44,445	69,909	$ 16,800
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
Debt financing and restricted cash received		480,200
Restricted cash used		(480,200)
Repayments of long-term debt		1,468,401
Issuance of long-term debt		(731,884)
Discount on long-term debt		212,660
Write-off of debt issuance costs		$ (9,253)
Restricted cash-letters of credit collateral	$ 16,160

Background of Company

Background of Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background of Company	Note 1 Background of Company Intelsat S.A. (the “Company”, “we”,” us” or “our”) provides satellite communications services worldwide through a global communications network of approximately 50 satellites and ground facilities related to the satellite operations and control, and teleport services.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies (a) Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Intelsat S.A., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of one VIE, as more fully described in Note 10—Investments, and accordingly, we include in our consolidated financial statements the assets and liabilities and results of operations of the entity, even though we may not own a majority voting interest. We use the equity method to account for our investments in entities where we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but do not retain control under either the voting interest model (generally 20% to 50% ownership interest) or the variable interest model. In 2015, we entered into a joint venture agreement as further described in Note 10—Investments, and the investment is accounted for using the equity method. We have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. (b) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods, and the disclosures of contingent liabilities. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ from those estimates. (c) Revenue Recognition We earn revenue from providing satellite services and managed services to customers. We enter into contracts with customers to provide satellite transponders and transponder capacity and, in certain cases, earth stations and teleport facilities, for periods typically ranging from one year to the life of the satellite. Our revenue recognition policies are as follows: Satellite Utilization Charges. Satellite Related Consulting and Technical Services. Tracking, Telemetry and Commanding (“TT&C”). In-Orbit back-up in-orbit Revenue Share Arrangements. We may sell these products or services individually or in some combination to our customers. When these products and services are sold together, we account for the multiple elements under FASB ASC Topic 605-25, Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements 605-25”). 605-25 (d) Fair Value Measurements We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments using available market information and valuation methodologies. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure non-financial The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows: • Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2—quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and • Level 3—unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. (e) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are generally time deposits with banks and money market funds. The carrying amount of these investments approximates market value. (f) Receivables and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts We provide satellite services and extend credit to numerous customers in the satellite communication, telecommunications and video markets. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and anticipated losses. We believe we have adequate customer collateral and reserves to cover our exposure. If we determine that the collection of payments is not reasonably assured at the time the respective service is provided, we defer recognition of the revenue until we believe collection is reasonably assured or the payment is received. (g) Satellites and Other Property and Equipment Satellites and other property and equipment are stated at historical cost, or in the case of certain satellites acquired, the fair value at the date of acquisition. Capitalized costs consist primarily of the costs of satellite construction and launch, including launch insurance and insurance during the period of in-orbit We depreciate satellites and other property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings and improvements 10 - 40 Satellites and related costs 10 - 17 Ground segment equipment and software 4 - 15 Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware 4 - 12 Leasehold improvements (1) 2 - 12 (1) Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term. (h) Other Assets Other assets consist of investments in certain equity securities, long-term deposits, long-term receivables and other miscellaneous deferred charges and long-term assets. (i) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Intangible assets arising from business combinations are initially recorded at fair value. We record other intangible assets at cost. We amortize intangible assets with determinable lives (consisting of backlog and customer relationships) based on the expected pattern of consumption. We review these intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. (j) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review long-lived assets, including property and equipment and acquired intangible assets with estimable useful lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. These indicators of impairment can include, but are not limited to, the following: • satellite anomalies, such as a partial or full loss of power; • under-performance of an asset compared to expectations; and • shortened useful lives due to changes in the way an asset is used or expected to be used. The recoverability of an asset to be held and used is determined by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we record an impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, which we determine by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing discounted cash flow techniques. (k) Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740— Income Taxes We regularly assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets can be recovered. A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets based in part on the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to realize the deferred tax assets. During the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We evaluate our tax positions to determine if it is more likely than not that a tax position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and presuming the taxing authorities have full knowledge of the position and access to all relevant facts and information. When a tax position does not meet the more likely than not standard, we record a liability or contra asset for the entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefit. Additionally, for those tax positions that are determined more likely than not to be sustainable, we measure the tax position at the largest amount of benefit more likely than not (determined by cumulative probability) to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority. (l) Foreign Currency Translation Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, since substantially all customer contracts, capital expenditure contracts and operating expense obligations are denominated in U.S. dollars. Transactions not denominated in U.S. dollars have been translated using the spot rates of exchange at the dates of the transactions. We recognize differences on exchange arising on the settlement of the transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar in the consolidated statement of operations. (m) Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income or loss and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income or loss. Such items consist primarily of the change in the market value of available-for-sale (n) Share-Based Compensation Compensation cost is recognized based on the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation Awards are measured at the grant date based on the fair value as calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for share options, a Monte Carlo simulation model for awards with market conditions, or the closing market price at the grant date for awards of shares or restricted shares units. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period, based on attainment of certain vesting requirements. The determination of the value of certain awards requires considerable judgment, including estimating expected volatility, expected term and risk-free rate. The Company’s expected volatility is based on the average volatility rates of similar actively-traded companies over the range of each award’s estimated expected term, which is based on the midpoint between the expected vesting time and the remaining contractual life. The risk-free rate is derived from the applicable Constant Maturity Treasury rate. (o) Deferred Satellite Performance Incentives The cost of satellite construction may include an element of deferred consideration that we are obligated to pay to satellite manufacturers over the lives of the satellites, provided the satellites continue to operate in accordance with contractual specifications. Historically, the satellite manufacturers have earned substantially all of these payments. Therefore, we account for these payments as deferred financing. We capitalize the present value of these payments as part of the cost of the satellites and record a corresponding liability to the satellite manufacturers. Interest expense is recognized on the deferred financing and the liability is reduced as the payments are made. (p) Derivative Instruments We enter into derivative transactions primarily to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. We employ risk management strategies, which may include the use of foreign currency swaps, interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. We measure all derivatives at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not qualifying as hedges are recognized in earnings in the current period. (q) New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Revenue Recognition 2014-09 The Company formed an implementation team to evaluate and direct the implementation of the new revenue recognition standard and related amendments. This evaluation also included the impact of the new standard on relevant controls, systems and business processes. The team assessed contracts entered into with key customers and other forms of agreements with customers globally and evaluated the provisions under the five-step model specified by the new guidance. Based on our assessment, the adoption of the new standard will impact the determination of transaction price for prepayment contracts, accounting of incremental costs for obtaining a contract, allocation of the transaction price to performance obligations in multiple element arrangements and will require additional disclosures. We have identified all contracts with prepayment provisions and determined that certain long-term contracts with prepayments contain a significant financing component primarily due to the length of time between when payment is received and when the transfer of services to the customer occurs. Further, we currently expense sales incentives under our sales incentive program as incurred. Under the new standard, we will be required to defer and amortize a portion of these incentive costs over the life of the contract. Lastly, prior to the adoption of the new standard, equipment revenue was required to be limited to the amount that was not contingent upon the delivery of additional items meeting other specified performance conditions. Under ASC 606, we are required to allocate the total contract revenue to various performance obligations such as equipment and service. As a result, we expect to recognize more equipment revenue upon customer acceptance, and recognize less revenue over the contract term than under previous accounting rules. More importantly, total revenue over the full contract term will be unchanged and there will be no change to customer billing, the timing of cash flows, or the presentation of cash flows. We will adopt the new revenue standard effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts for which not substantially all revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP. Upon adoption, we will recognize the cumulative effect as an adjustment to our opening accumulated deficit, with a corresponding increase to contract liabilities for our existing contracts with prepayment provisions. On an ongoing basis, the adjustment related to contracts with a significant financing component will result in an increase in revenue as well as an increase in interest expense. Additionally, contract acquisition costs associated with our sales incentive program in future periods will be capitalized and amortized over the respective contract life and equipment revenue will be recognized at a point in time upon customer acceptance. Based on currently available information, we estimate the following opening balance sheet impact (all amounts are approximate, and they do not include any income tax effect): Effect on Accumulated Deficit as of January 1, 2018: Opening Balance Sheet Impact Dollars in millions—increase/ (decrease) Prepayments contracts $345 - $355 Multiple elements arrangements ($5 - $15 ) Contract acquisition costs ($5 - $10 ) In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Topic 825) 2016-10 2016-01 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), 2016-02 2016-02 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments 2016-13 2016-13 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) beginning-of-period end-of-period 2016-15 2016-18 2016-15 2016-15 2016-18 non-cash 2016-18 non-cash 2016-18 non-cash In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory 2016-16 2016-16 2016-16 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment 2017-04 2017-04 In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost 2017-07 ASU 2017-07 2017-07 In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting 2017-09 ASU 2017-09 2017-09 In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) 2018-02 2018-02

Share Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Share Capital	Note 3 Share Capital Under our Articles of Incorporation, we have an authorized share capital of $10.0 million, represented by 1.0 billion shares of any class with a nominal value of $0.01 per share. At December 31, 2017, there were 119.6 million common shares issued and outstanding. On May 1, 2016, each of our 5.75% Series A mandatorily convertible junior non-voting

Net Income (Loss) per Share

Net Income (Loss) per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) per Share	Note 4 Net Income (Loss) per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.’s common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.: (in thousands, except per share data or where otherwise noted) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Numerator: Net income (loss) $ (3,919,453 ) $ 994,112 $ (174,814 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (3,934 ) (3,915 ) (3,914 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A. (3,923,387 ) 990,197 (178,728 ) Less: Preferred Shares dividends declared (9,919 ) — — Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ (3,933,306 ) $ 990,197 $ (178,728 ) Numerator for Basic EPS—income/ (loss) available to common shareholders $ (3,933,306 ) $ 990,197 $ (178,728 ) Numerator for Diluted EPS $ (3,933,306 ) $ 990,197 $ (178,728 ) Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 107.2 114.5 118.9 Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding (in millions): Preferred shares (in millions) — 3.2 — Employee compensation related shares including options and restricted stock units (in millions) — 0.8 — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 107.2 118.5 118.9 Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (36.68 ) $ 8.65 $ (1.50 ) Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (36.68 ) $ 8.36 $ (1.50 ) Due to a net loss in the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2017, there were no dilutive securities, and therefore, basic and diluted EPS were the same. The weighted average number of shares that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future was 5.1 million, 6.2 million and 3.5 million (consisting of restricted share units and options to purchase common shares) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Further, there were 9.6 million weighted average common shares resulting from the potential conversion of Series A Preferred Shares for the year ended December 31, 2015, that could have diluted basic EPS in future periods.

Share-Based and Other Compensat

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans	Note 5 Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans In April 2013, our board of directors adopted the amended and restated Intelsat Global, Ltd. 2008 Share Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2008 Equity Plan”). Also in April 2013, our board of directors adopted the Intelsat S.A. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Plan”). No new awards may be granted under the 2008 Equity Plan. The 2013 Equity Plan provides for a variety of equity based awards, including incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Service Tax Code), restricted shares, restricted share units (“RSUs”), other share-based awards and performance compensation awards. Effective June 16, 2016, we increased the aggregate number of common shares authorized for issuance under the 2013 Equity Plan to 20.0 million common shares. The total aggregate number of shares available for future issuance under the 2013 Equity Plan was 9.1 million as of December 31, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting For all share-based awards, we recognize the compensation costs over the vesting period during which the employee provides service in exchange for the award. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, we recorded compensation expense of $25.8 million, $23.2 million, and $16.0 million, respectively. Stock Options Stock options generally expire 10 years from the date of grant. In some cases, options have been granted which expire 15 years from the date of grant. The options vest monthly over service periods ranging from two to five years. Stock Option activity during 2017 was as follows: Number of Stock Options (in thousands) Weighted Average Weighted Average (in years) Aggregate (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 2,291 $ 3.82 Exercised (126 ) 3.77 Forfeited (35 ) 3.77 Expired (46 ) 3.80 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,084 $ 3.84 6.7 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,944 $ 3.88 6.6 $ — The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2017 was $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. No stock options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, we recorded compensation expense of $0.8 million, $2.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, including compensation expense from option modifications in 2014 and 2016, further described below. During years ended December 31, 2015 and 2017, we received cash of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, from the exercise of stock options. No stock options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2016. Anti-Dilution Options In connection with our initial public offering of common shares in April 2013 (the “IPO”) and upon consummation of the IPO, options were granted to certain individuals in accordance with the existing terms of their side letters to a management shareholders agreement to which we are a party, which, when taken together with the common shares received in connection with the reclassification of our outstanding former Class B Shares at the time of our IPO, preserved their ownership interests represented by their outstanding former Class B Shares immediately prior to the reclassification. These options generally expire 10 years from the date of the grant. Number of Stock (in thousands) Weighted Average Weighted Average (in years) Aggregate (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 1,610 $ 11.98 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,610 $ 11.98 5.1 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,610 $ 11.98 5.1 $ — We measure the fair value of anti-dilution option grants at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. There were no anti-dilution options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded compensation expense associated with anti-dilution option awards of $1.0 million related to 2016 option modifications further described below. No compensation expense was recorded for these awards during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2017. There were no anti-dilution options exercised during the years ended 2015, 2016 or 2017. 2016 Option modifications During the year ended December 31, 2016, we amended 1.2 million stock options under the 2008 Equity Plan (including 0.7 million of anti-dilution options), and 0.4 million stock options under the 2013 Equity Plan in order to modify the exercise prices to $4.16 for the anti-dilution options and to $3.77 for the remainder. As a result of the change, we estimated the difference between fair value of the amended options and the fair value of the original awards before settlement. The fair value was measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following assumptions were used for the amended options and the original awards before amendment: risk-free interest rates of 0.8% to 1.5%; dividend yields of 0.0%; expected volatility of 50-60%; All such options were fully vested and we recognized additional compensation expense associated with the modifications of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, which has been included in the respective sections above. Time-based RSUs Time-based RSUs vest over periods ranging from one to three years from the date of grant. Time-based RSUs activity during 2017 was as follows: Number of RSUs (in thousands) Weighted Average Weighted Average remaining contractual term (in years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 3,594 $ 9.52 Granted 1,412 4.36 Vested (1) (1,400 ) 9.76 Forfeited (189 ) 4.62 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 3,417 $ 7.56 1.4 $ 11.6 (1) The total vested RSUs does not include 1,025 RSUs that have vested but for which shares have not been issued. The fair value of time-based RSUs is deemed to be the market price of common shares on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value of time-based RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017 was $11.64, $1.67, and $4.36, respectively. The total intrinsic value of time-based RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 was $8.0 million, $1.7 million, and $6.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there was $5.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested time-based RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, we recorded compensation expense associated with these time-based RSUs of $22.8 million, $17.9 million, and $13.7 million, respectively. Performance-based RSUs Performance-based RSUs vest after three years from the date of grant upon achievement of certain performance conditions. These grants are subject to vesting upon achievement of an adjusted EBITDA target and achievement of a relative shareholder return (“RSR”), which is based on the Company’s relative shareholder return percentile ranking versus the S&P 900 Index target as defined in the grant agreement. Performance-based RSUs activity during 2017 was as follows: Number of RSUs (in thousands) Weighted Average grant Weighted Average remaining (in years) Aggregate (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 1,829 $ 6.22 Granted 790 2.79 Cancelled (324 ) 21.48 Forfeited (139 ) 3.01 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,156 $ 2.89 1.4 $ 7.3 We measure the fair value of performance-based RSUs at the date of grant using the market price of our common shares (to measure the award based on an adjusted EBITDA target) and a Monte Carlo simulation model (to measure the award based on an RSR target). The weighted average grant date fair value of performance-based RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017 was $8.97, $0.94, and $2.79, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there was $1.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance-based RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. Achievement of the adjusted EBITDA target for awards granted in 2015, 2016, and 2017 is not currently considered probable. No compensation cost associated with these awards (based on the adjusted EBITDA condition) was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2017.We recorded compensation expense associated with the awards granted in 2016 (based on the adjusted EBITDA condition) of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, which was reversed during the year ended December 31, 2017. We recorded compensation expense associated with the RSR portion of performance-based RSUs of $2.2 million, $1.6 million, and $1.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 6 Fair Value Measurements We have identified investments in marketable securities, interest rate financial derivative instruments, warrant and put option embedded derivative instruments as those items that meet the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of FASB ASC 820. The following tables present assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their corresponding level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands), excluding long-term debt (see Note 12—Long-Term Debt) and pension plan assets (see Note 7—Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits). No transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements occurred during the year ended December 31, 2017. Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Description As of December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Assets (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Marketable securities (1) $ 5,381 $ 5,381 $ — $ — Total assets $ 5,381 $ 5,381 $ — $ — Liabilities Put option embedded derivative (4) $ 1,496 $ — $ — $ 1,496 Total liabilities $ 1,496 $ — $ — $ 1,496 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Description As of December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Marketable securities (1) $ 5,776 $ 5,776 $ — $ — Undesignated interest rate cap (2) 22,336 — 22,336 — Warrant (3) 4,100 — — 4,100 Total assets $ 32,212 $ 5,776 $ 22,336 $ 4,100 Liabilities Put option embedded derivative (4) $ 658 $ — $ — $ 658 Total liabilities $ 658 $ — $ — $ 658 (1) The valuation measurement inputs of these marketable securities represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and, accordingly, we have classified such investments within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The cost basis of our available-for-sale (2) The valuation of our interest rate derivative instruments reflects the fair value of premiums paid, taking into account observable inputs including current interest rates, the market expectation for future interest rates volatility and current creditworthiness of the counterparties. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. (3) We valued the warrant using a valuation technique which reflects the risk free rate, time to maturity and volatility of comparable companies. We identified the inputs used to calculate the fair value as Level 3 inputs and concluded that the valuation in its entirety was classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. (4) We valued the contingent put option embedded within the 2022 ICF Notes (as defined in Note 12—Long-Term Debt), using a valuation technique which reflects the estimated date and probability of a change of control, the fair value of the 2022 ICF Notes, and a credit valuation adjustment reflecting our credit spreads. We identified the inputs used to calculate the fair value as Level 3 inputs and concluded that the valuation in its entirety was classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Retirement Plans and Other Reti

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits	Note 7 Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan covering substantially all of our employees hired prior to July 19, 2001. The cost of providing benefits to eligible participants under the defined benefit retirement plan is calculated using the plan’s benefit formulas, which take into account the participants’ remuneration, dates of hire, years of eligible service, and certain actuarial assumptions. In addition, as part of the overall medical plan, we provide postretirement medical benefits to certain current retirees who meet the criteria under the medical plan for postretirement benefit eligibility. In the first quarter of 2015, we amended the defined benefit retirement plan to cease the accrual of additional benefits for the remaining active participants effective March 31, 2015, resulting in a curtailment of $10.3 million that decreased both the pension liability and the actuarial loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. As a result of the curtailment, all of the plan’s participants are now considered inactive. Accordingly, all amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss are being recognized as an increase to net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants, which is approximately 20 years, beginning in the second quarter of 2015. Also, as a result of the plan amendment, we recognized in our consolidated statements of operations $0.6 million of prior service credits that were previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The defined benefit retirement plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. We expect that our future contributions to the defined benefit retirement plan will be based on the minimum funding requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and on the plan’s funded status. Any significant decline in the fair value of our defined benefit retirement plan assets or other adverse changes to the significant assumptions used to determine the plan’s funded status would negatively impact its funded status and could result in increased funding in future periods. The impact on the funded status is determined based upon market conditions in effect when we completed our annual valuation. We anticipate that our contributions to the defined benefit retirement plan in 2018 will be approximately $5.1 million. We fund the postretirement medical benefits throughout the year based on benefits paid. We anticipate that our contributions to fund postretirement medical benefits in 2018 will be approximately $4.1 million. Prior service credits and actuarial losses are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs, which are included in both direct costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative on our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. The following table presents these reclassifications, net of tax, as well as the reclassification of the realized gain on investments, and the statement of operations line items that are impacted (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) $ (141 ) $ (3 ) $ 12 Selling, general and administrative (107 ) (2 ) 9 Total $ (248 ) $ (5 ) $ 21 Amortization of actuarial loss reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) $ 3,196 $ 1,372 $ 1,269 Selling, general and administrative 2,048 851 805 Total $ 5,244 $ 2,223 $ 2,074 Realized gain on investments included in: Other expense, net $ (340 ) $ (192 ) $ (235 ) Total $ (340 ) $ (192 ) $ (235 ) Reconciliation of Funded Status and Accumulated Benefit Obligation. Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Pension Other Post- Pension Other Post- Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 435,462 $ 90,583 $ 424,929 $ 82,897 Service cost — — — — Interest cost 16,183 3,363 14,778 2,869 Employee contributions — 422 — 416 Plan amendments — — — — Plan curtailments — — — — Benefits paid (30,454 ) (3,310 ) (24,380 ) (4,125 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 3,738 (8,161 ) 31,895 530 Benefit obligation at end of period $ 424,929 $ 82,897 $ 447,222 $ 82,587 Change in plan assets Plan assets at beginning of period $ 326,458 $ — $ 317,510 $ — Employer contributions 606 2,888 2,888 3,709 Employee contributions — 422 — 416 Actual return on plan assets 20,900 — 38,564 — Benefits paid (30,454 ) (3,310 ) (24,380 ) (4,125 ) Plan assets at fair value at end of period $ 317,510 $ — $ 334,582 $ — Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans $ (107,419 ) $ (82,897 ) $ (112,640 ) $ (82,587 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 424,929 $ 447,222 Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs Discount rate 3.82 % 4.19 % 3.67 % 3.64 % Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs Discount rate 4.53 % 4.50 % 4.23 % 4.19 % Expected rate of return on plan assets 7.80 % — 7.60 % — Rate of compensation increase — — — — Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax $ 2,228 $ (5 ) $ 2,363 $ (289 ) Prior service credits, net of tax (8 ) 3 (8 ) 29 Total $ 2,220 $ (2 ) $ 2,355 $ (260 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax $ 87,981 $ (9,468 ) $ 99,152 $ (8,815 ) Prior service credits, net of tax (343 ) — (366 ) — Total $ 87,638 $ (9,468 ) $ 98,786 $ (8,815 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year Actuarial (gain) loss $ (3,751 ) $ — $ (5,307 ) $ 403 Prior service credits — 8 — 8 Total $ (3,751 ) $ 8 $ (5,307 ) $ 411 Our benefit obligations are discounted along a yield curve that is derived from the monthly bid-price yield-to-maturity In the first quarter of 2016, we changed the method we use to estimate the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Historically, we estimated the interest cost component using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. We have elected to use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of this component of benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. We have made this change to improve the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates, and to provide a more precise measurement of interest costs. This change does not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations, as the change in the interest cost is completely offset in the actuarial (gain) loss reported. We have accounted for this change as a change in estimate and, accordingly, have accounted for it prospectively starting in the first quarter of 2016. The discount rate that we used to measure interest cost as of December 31, 2016 was approximately 3.8%. The discount rate that we measured at December 31, 2016 and would have used for interest cost under our prior estimation technique was approximately 4.5%. The reduction in interest cost as of December 31, 2016, associated with this change in estimate was approximately $3.6 million. The discount rate that we used to measure interest cost as of December 31, 2017 was approximately 3.6%. Interest rates used in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates used in determining the present value of future benefit payments and expected return on plan assets, which are reviewed and updated on an annual basis. The discount rates reflect market rates for high-quality corporate bonds. We consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making assumptions. The Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) issued new mortality and mortality improvement tables in 2014, and modified those tables in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Our December 31, 2017 valuation used mortality and improvement tables based on the SOA tables, adjusted to reflect (1) an ultimate rate of mortality improvement consistent with both historical experience and U.S. Social Security long-term projections, and (2) a shorter transition period to reach the ultimate rate, which is consistent with historical patterns. In establishing the expected return on assets assumption, we review the asset allocations considering plan maturity and develop return assumptions based on different asset classes. The return assumptions are established after reviewing historical returns of broader market indexes, as well as historical performance of the investments in the plan. Our pension plan assets are managed in accordance with an investment policy adopted by the pension committee, as discussed below. Plan Assets. non-U.S. non-U.S. The target and actual asset allocation of our pension plan assets were as follows: As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Target Actual Target Actual Asset Category Equity securities 49 % 47 % 49 % 50 % Debt securities 36 % 34 % 36 % 35 % Other securities 15 % 19 % 15 % 15 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The fair values of our pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Category Equity Securities U.S. Large-Cap (1) $ 78,076 $ 78,076 $ — $ — U.S. Small/Mid-Cap (2) 19,952 19,952 — — World Equity Ex-US (3) 67,835 67,835 — — Fixed Income Securities Short Duration Bonds (4) 98,421 98,421 — — High Yield Bonds (5) 9,419 9,419 — — Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) (6) 9,127 9,127 — — Other Securities $ 282,830 $ — $ — Hedge Funds (7) 17,121 Core Property Fund (8) 34,486 Income earned but not yet received 145 Total $ 334,582 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Category Equity Securities U.S. Large-Cap (1) $ 80,698 $ 80,698 $ — $ — U.S. Small/Mid-Cap (2) 22,184 22,184 — — World Equity Ex-US (3) 46,999 46,999 — — Fixed Income Securities Short Duration Bonds (4) 90,099 90,099 — — High Yield Bonds (5) 14,125 14,125 — — Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) (6) 4,100 4,100 — — Other Securities $ 258,205 $ — $ — Hedge Funds (7) 15,880 Core Property Fund (8) 43,266 Income earned but not yet received 159 Total $ 317,510 (1) US large cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the S&P 500 Index, as well as other equity securities and derivative instruments whose value is derived from the performance of the S&P 500. (2) US small/mid cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the Russell 2500 Index. (3) World equity ex-US (4) Short duration bond fund includes the Opportunistic Income fund and the Limited Duration Bond Fund. The Opportunistic Income fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade and non-investment (5) High yield bond fund seeks to maximize return by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of higher yielding, lower rated fixed income securities. The fund will invest primarily in securities rated below investment grade, including corporate bonds, convertible and preferred securities and zero coupon obligations. (6) Emerging markets debt fund seeks to maximize return investing in fixed income securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund will invest primarily in U.S. dollar denominated debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of such issuers. (7) Hedge fund seeks to provide returns that are different from (less correlated with) investments in more traditional asset classes. The fund will pursue its investment objective by investing substantially all of its assets in various hedge funds. The fund has semi-annual redemptions in June and December with a 95 day pre-notification lock-up (8) Core property fund is a fund of funds that invests in direct commercial property funds primarily in the U.S. The fund is meant to provide current income-oriented returns, diversification, and modest inflation protection to an overall investment portfolio. Total returns are expected to be somewhere between stocks and bonds, with moderate volatility and low correlation to public markets. The fund has quarterly redemptions with a 95 day pre-notification lock-up Our plan assets are measured at fair value. FASB ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques including Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 (see Note 2 (d)—Significant Accounting Policies—Fair Value Measurements). The majority of our plan assets are valued using measurement inputs which include unadjusted prices in active markets and we have therefore classified these assets within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Our other securities include Hedge Funds and Core Property Funds, which are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient, and are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Net periodic pension benefit costs included the following components (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Service cost $ 780 $ — $ — Interest cost 18,734 16,183 14,778 Expected return on plan assets (25,926 ) (25,535 ) (24,410 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits (43 ) — — Amortization of unrecognized net loss 7,911 3,370 3,751 Curtailment gain (564 ) — — Special termination benefit recognized — — — Total benefit $ 892 $ (5,982 ) $ (5,881 ) We had accrued benefit costs at December 31, 2016 and 2017 of $107.5 million and $112.6 million, respectively, related to the pension benefits, of which $0.6 million for each year were recorded within other current liabilities, and $106.9 million and $112.0 million were recorded in other long-term liabilities, respectively. Net periodic other postretirement benefit costs included the following components (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Service cost $ 70 $ — $ — Interest cost 4,592 3,363 2,869 Amortization of prior service cost — — (8 ) Amortization of unrecognized net (gain) loss 596 (8 ) (455 ) Total costs $ 5,258 $ 3,355 $ 2,406 We had accrued benefit costs at December 31, 2016 and 2017 related to the other postretirement benefits of $82.9 million and $82.6 million, respectively, of which $4.1 million for each year were recorded in other current liabilities, and $78.8 million and $78.5 million were recorded in other long-term liabilities, respectively. Depending on our actual future health care claims, our actual costs may vary significantly from those projected above. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, the assumed health care cost trend rates were 7.2% (6.9% prior to medicare) and 6.8% (6.6% prior to medicare), respectively. These rates are expected to decrease annually to an ultimate rate of 4.5% by December 31, 2037. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by 1% each year would increase the other postretirement benefits obligation as of December 31, 2017 by $9.2 million. Decreasing this trend rate by 1% each year would reduce the other postretirement benefits obligation as of December 31, 2017 by $7.4 million. A 1% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have increased the net periodic other postretirement benefits cost by $0.3 million and a 1% decrease would have decreased the cost by $0.2 million for 2017. The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Other Post- 2018 $ 37,063 $ 4,091 2019 28,918 4,358 2020 27,864 4,582 2021 27,615 4,788 2022 27,447 4,972 2023 to 2027 131,974 26,121 Total $ 280,881 $ 48,912 (b) Other Retirement Plans We maintain a defined contribution retirement plan, qualified under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for our employees in the United States. We recognized compensation expense for this plan of $6.8 million, $10.3 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. We also maintain other defined contribution retirement plans in several non-U.S.

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Note 8 Receivables Receivables were comprised of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Service charges: Billed $ 246,833 $ 234,724 Unbilled 8,872 11,025 Other 2,075 5,143 Allowance for doubtful accounts (54,744 ) (29,669 ) Total $ 203,036 $ 221,223 Unbilled service charges represent amounts earned and accrued as receivables from customers for services rendered prior to the end of the reporting period. Unbilled service charges are expected to be billed and collected within twelve months of the respective balance sheet date.

Satellites and Other Property a

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	Note 9 Satellites and Other Property and Equipment (a) Satellites and Other Property and Equipment, net Satellites and other property and equipment, net were comprised of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Satellites and launch vehicles $ 10,363,771 $ 10,653,213 Information systems and ground segment 727,929 808,203 Buildings and other 250,369 264,417 Total cost 11,342,069 11,725,833 Less: accumulated depreciation (5,156,227 ) (5,802,214 ) Total $ 6,185,842 $ 5,923,619 Satellites and other property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 included construction-in-progress We have entered into launch contracts for the launch of both specified and unspecified future satellites. Each of these launch contracts provides that such contract may be terminated at our option, subject to payment of a termination fee that increases as the applicable launch date approaches. In addition, in the event of a failure of any launch, we may exercise our right to obtain a replacement launch within a specified period following our request for re-launch. (b) Recent Satellite Launches Intelsat 37e, the fifth satellite in the Intelsat Epic NG all-digital C-, Ku- Ka- On July 5, 2017, we successfully launched our Intelsat 35e satellite into orbit. The fourth of our Intelsat Epic NG C- Ku-bands. Ku-band direct-to-home Intelsat 32e, a customized payload positioned on a third-party satellite, was successfully launched on February 14, 2017. Intelsat 32e is the third of six in our planned Intelsat Epic NG in-demand in-flight On August 24, 2016, we successfully launched our Intelsat 36 and Intelsat 33e satellites into orbit. Intelsat 36 is co-located Ku-band C-band Intelsat 33e is the second of six HTS satellite within our Intelsat Epic NG On June 9, 2016, we successfully launched our Intelsat 31 satellite to the 95ºW orbital location, co-located in-orbit Ku-band C-band in-orbit On January 27, 2016, we successfully launched our Intelsat 29e satellite into orbit. Intelsat 29e is the first HTS within our Intelsat Epic NG C- Ku- On August 20, 2015, we successfully launched our Intelsat 34 satellite into orbit. Intelsat 34 is a C- Ku-band C-band Ku-band Ku-band (c) Satellite Health Our satellite fleet is diversified by manufacturer and satellite type, and as a result, our fleet is generally healthy. We have experienced some technical problems with our current fleet but have been able to minimize the impact of these problems on our customers, our operations and our business in recent years. Many of these problems have been component failures and anomalies that have had little long-term impact to date on the overall transponder availability in our satellite fleet. All of our satellites have been designed to accommodate an anticipated rate of equipment failures with adequate redundancy to meet or exceed their orbital design lives, and to date, this redundancy design scheme has proven effective. After each anomaly we have generally restored services for our customers on the affected satellite, provided alternative capacity on other satellites in our fleet, or provided capacity that we purchased from other satellite operators. Significant Anomalies During orbit raising of Intelsat 33e in September 2016, the satellite experienced a malfunction of the main satellite thruster. Orbit raising was subsequently completed using a different set of satellite thrusters. The anomaly resulted in a delay of approximately three months in reaching the geostationary orbit, as well as a reduction in the projected lifetime of the satellite. Intelsat 33e entered service in January 2017. In addition, in February 2017, measurements indicated higher than expected fuel use while performing stationkeeping maneuvers. There is no evidence of any impact to the communications payload. A Failure Review Board has been established to determine the cause of the primary thruster failure and a separate team to investigate the fuel use anomaly. Intelsat has filed a loss claim with insurers relating to the reduction of life.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Note 10 Investments We have ownership interests in two entities that meet the criteria of a VIE: Horizons Satellite Holdings, LLC (“Horizons Holdings”) and Horizons-3 Consolidation (a) Horizons Holdings Our first joint venture with JSAT International, Inc. (“JSAT”) is named Horizons Satellite Holdings, LLC, and consists of two investments: Horizons-1 (“Horizons-1”) Horizons-2 (“Horizons-2”). We have determined that this joint venture meets the criteria of a VIE under FASB ASC 810, and we have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary because decisions relating to any future relocation of the Horizons 2 satellite, the most significant asset of the joint venture, are effectively controlled by us. In accordance with FASB ASC 810, as the primary beneficiary, we consolidate Horizons Holdings within our consolidated financial statements. Total assets of Horizons Holdings were $48.3 million and $38.7 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Total liabilities at both dates were nominal. We have a revenue sharing agreement with JSAT related to services sold on the Horizons 1 and Horizons 2 satellites. We are responsible for billing and collection for such services, and we remit 50% of the revenue, less applicable fees and commissions, to JSAT. Amounts payable to JSAT related to the revenue sharing agreement, net of applicable fees and commissions, from the Horizons 1 and Horizons 2 satellites were $6.2 million and $5.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. (b) Horizons-3 On November 4, 2015, we entered into a new joint venture agreement with JSAT. The joint venture, named Horizons 3, was formed for the purpose of developing, launching, managing, operating and owning a high performance satellite to be located at the 169ºE orbital location. Horizons 3, which is 50% owned by each of Intelsat and JSAT, was set up with a joint share of management authority and equal rights to profits and revenues from the joint venture. Similar to Horizons Holdings, we have a revenue sharing agreement with JSAT related to services sold on the Horizons 3 satellite. In addition, we are responsible for billing and collection for such services, and we remit 50% of the revenue, less applicable fees and commissions, to JSAT. We have determined that this joint venture meets the criteria of a VIE under FASB ASC 810, however we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore do not consolidate Horizons 3. The assessment considered both quantitative and qualitative factors, including an analysis of voting power and other means of control of the joint venture as well as each owner’s exposure to risk of loss or gain. Because we and JSAT equally share control over the operations of the joint venture and also equally share exposure to risk of losses or gains, we concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of Horizons 3. Our investment, included within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The investment balance was $31.1 million and $61.8 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. In connection with our investment in Horizons 3, we entered into a capital contribution and subscription agreement which requires us to fund our 50% share of the amounts due in order to maintain our respective 50% interest in the joint venture. Pursuant to this agreement, we made contributions of $10.3 million and $27.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. In addition, our indirect subsidiary that holds our investment in Horizons 3 has entered into a security and pledge agreement with Horizons 3, pursuant to which it has granted a security interest in its membership interests in Horizons 3. Further, our indirect subsidiary has granted a security interest to Horizons 3 in its customer capacity contracts and its ownership interest in its wholly-owned subsidiary that will hold the U.S. Federal Communications Commission license required for the joint venture’s operations. (c) Cost Method Investments Our cost method investments recorded in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets had a total carrying value of $29.0 million and $54.7 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The balance as of December 31, 2017 consists of five separate noncontrolling investments. (d) Equity Attributable to Intelsat S.A. and Non-controlling The following tables present changes in equity attributable to the Company and equity attributable to our noncontrolling interests, which is included in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet (in thousands): Intelsat S.A. Noncontrolling Total Shareholders’ Balance at January 1, 2016 $ (4,649,565 ) $ 29,212 $ (4,620,353 ) Net income 990,197 3,915 994,112 Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests — (8,980 ) (8,980 ) Share-based compensation 23,089 — 23,089 Postretirement/pension liability adjustment 2,041 — 2,041 Other comprehensive income 93 — 93 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (3,634,145 ) $ 24,147 $ (3,609,998 ) Intelsat S.A. Noncontrolling Total Shareholders’ Balance at January 1, 2017 $ (3,634,145 ) $ 24,147 $ (3,609,998 ) Net income (loss) (178,728 ) 3,914 (174,814 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests — (8,755 ) (8,755 ) Share-based compensation 16,472 — 16,472 Postretirement/pension liability adjustment (11,801 ) — (11,801 ) Other comprehensive income 332 — 332 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (3,807,870 ) $ 19,306 $ (3,788,564 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 11 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The carrying amounts of goodwill and acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands): As of As of Goodwill (1) $ 2,620,627 $ 2,620,627 Orbital locations 2,387,700 2,387,700 Trade name 65,200 65,200 (1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $4,160,200. We account for goodwill and other non-amortizable (a) Goodwill We perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment using a qualitative approach to identify and consider the significance of relevant key factors, events, and circumstances that affect the fair value of our reporting unit. We are required to identify reporting units at a level below the Company’s identified operating segments for impairment analysis. We have identified only one reporting unit for the goodwill impairment test. Assumptions and Approach Used. Based on our examination of the qualitative factors at December 31, 2016, we concluded that there was not a likelihood of more than 50% that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than its carrying value; therefore, no further testing of goodwill was required. At December 31, 2017, we reassessed the different qualitative factors and updated our assessment. Based on our review, since the fixed and mobile satellite services industry is under pressure (pricing, over-supply, value-chain inefficiencies) and since comparable companies have demonstrated negative to minimal revenue growth with equities underperforming, we determined that a quantitative assessment of goodwill was appropriate. We determined the estimated fair value of our reporting unit using discounted cash flow analysis, along with independent source data related to the comparative market multiples and, when available, recent transactions, each of which is considered a Level 3 input within the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC 820. The discounted cash flows were derived from a five-year projection of cash flows plus a residual value, with the resulting projected cash flows discounted at an appropriate weighted average cost of capital. In estimating the undiscounted cash flows, we primarily used our internally prepared budgets and forecast information. The key assumptions included in our model were projected growth rates, cost of capital, effective tax rates, and industry and economic trends. A change in the estimated future cash flows or other assumptions could change our estimated fair values and result in future impairments. Based on our quantitative analysis as described above, we concluded that there was no impairment for goodwill at December 31, 2017. (b) Orbital Locations, Trade Name and other Intangible Assets Orbital Locations sub-organization Our rights to operate at orbital locations can be used and sold individually; however, since satellites and customers can be and are moved from one orbital location to another, our rights are used in conjunction with each other as a network that can be adapted to meet the changing needs of our customers and market demands. Due to the interchangeable nature of orbital locations, the aggregate value of all of the orbital locations is used to measure the extent of impairment, if any. We determined the estimated fair value of our rights to operate at orbital locations using the build-up build-up At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, we determined, based on an examination of qualitative factors, that there was no impairment. Trade Name At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, we determined, based on an examination of qualitative factors, that there was no impairment. The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Backlog and other $ 743,760 $ (669,045 ) $ 74,715 $ 743,760 $ (686,425 ) $ 57,335 Customer relationships 534,030 (216,907 ) 317,123 534,030 (241,781 ) 292,249 Total $ 1,277,790 $ (885,952 ) $ 391,838 $ 1,277,790 $ (928,206 ) $ 349,584 Intangible assets are amortized based on the expected pattern of consumption. We recorded amortization expense of $60.2 million, $48.5 million and $42.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Scheduled amortization charges for the intangible assets over the next five years are as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2018 $ 38,481 2019 34,351 2020 31,103 2021 28,635 2022 25,479 Our policy is to expense all costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our intangible assets. The renewal expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were immaterial to our consolidated results of operations.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Note 12 Long-Term Debt The carrying values and fair values of our notes payable and long-term debt were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Intelsat Luxembourg: 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 $ 500,000 $ 410,000 $ 96,650 $ 94,717 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 6.75% Senior Notes (5,746 ) — (78 ) — 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 2,000,000 640,000 2,000,000 1,070,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.75% Senior Notes (16,588 ) — (13,325 ) — 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 1,000,000 295,000 1,000,000 515,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes (9,764 ) — (8,562 ) — 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 — — 403,350 265,052 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — (209,165 ) — Total Intelsat Luxembourg obligations 3,467,902 1,345,000 3,268,870 1,944,769 Intelsat Connect Finance: 12.5% Senior Notes due April 2022 $ 731,884 $ 475,725 $ 731,892 $ 640,406 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes (297,257 ) — (267,108 ) — Total Intelsat Connect Finance obligations 434,627 475,725 464,784 640,406 Intelsat Jackson: 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 $ 490,000 $ 543,900 $ 490,000 $ 565,950 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (20,243 ) — (17,556 ) — 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024 1,349,678 1,383,420 1,349,678 1,423,910 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 8.0% Senior Secured Notes (6,005 ) — (5,378 ) — 7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 2,200,000 1,716,000 2,200,000 2,068,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 7.25% Senior Notes (6,756 ) — (5,151 ) — 7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 1,500,000 1,260,000 — — Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.25% Senior Notes (5,886 ) — — — 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 1,150,000 879,750 1,150,000 1,040,750 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.5% Senior Notes (6,828 ) — (5,415 ) — 5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 2,000,000 1,340,000 2,000,000 1,630,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 5.5% Senior Notes (14,900 ) — (12,977 ) — 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 — — 1,500,000 1,455,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 9.75% Senior Notes — — (20,315 ) — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due June 2019 3,095,000 3,013,756 1,095,000 1,093,631 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (21,682 ) — (4,636 ) — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due November 2023 — — 2,000,000 1,947,500 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities — — (28,600 ) — Total Intelsat Jackson obligations 11,702,378 10,136,826 11,684,650 11,224,741 Eliminations: 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance $ (402,570 ) $ (330,107 ) $ — $ — Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 6.75% Senior Notes 5,490 — — — 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance (979,168 ) (313,334 ) (979,168 ) (523,855 ) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.75% Senior Notes 8,121 — 6,524 — 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance (111,663 ) (32,941 ) (111,663 ) (57,506 ) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes 1,090 — 956 — Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes 71,877 — 67,525 — 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance — — (402,595 ) (264,556 ) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — 208,775 — Total eliminations: (1,406,823 ) (676,382 ) (1,209,646 ) (845,917 ) Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt $ 14,198,084 $ 11,281,169 $ 14,208,658 $ 12,963,999 Less: Current portion of long-term debt — 96,572 Total long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 14,198,084 $ 14,112,086 The fair value for publicly traded instruments is determined using quoted market prices, and for non-publicly Required principal repayments of long-term debt over the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2018 $ 96,650 2019 1,095,000 2020 2,200,000 2021 2,170,832 2022 1,221,892 2023 and thereafter 7,738,770 Total principal repayments 14,523,144 Unamortized discounts, premium and prepaid issuance costs (314,486 ) Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt $ 14,208,658 January 2018 Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Credit Agreement Amendment In January 2018, Intelsat Jackson entered into an amendment of the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. See—Description of Indebtedness— Intelsat Jackson Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Credit Agreement 2017 Debt Transactions January 2017 Intelsat Luxembourg Exchange Offer In January 2017, Intelsat Luxembourg completed a debt exchange (the “Second 2018 Luxembourg Exchange”), whereby it exchanged $403.3 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Luxembourg Notes”) for an equal aggregate principal amount of newly issued unsecured 12.50% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Luxembourg Notes”). The Second 2018 Luxembourg Exchange consisted of $377.6 million aggregate principal amount of 2018 Luxembourg Notes held by ICF as a result of the First 2018 Luxembourg Exchange (as defined and described below), together with $25 million aggregate principal amount of 2018 Luxembourg Notes repurchased by us in the fourth quarter of 2015. We consolidate ICF, the holder of the 2018 Luxembourg Notes exchanged in the Second 2018 Luxembourg Exchange. Terminated Combination Agreement with OneWeb and Share Purchase Agreement with SoftBank In February 2017, Intelsat entered into a combination agreement (as amended, the “Combination Agreement”) with WorldVu Satellites Limited (“OneWeb”), which provided for a combination of the businesses of Intelsat and OneWeb pursuant to a merger (the “OneWeb Combination”), and Intelsat entered into a share purchase agreement (as amended, the “Share Purchase Agreement”) with SoftBank Group Corp. (“SoftBank”), which provided for a cash investment by SoftBank in exchange for shares of Intelsat (the “SoftBank Investment” and, together with the OneWeb Combination, the “OneWeb/SoftBank Transactions”). The consummation of the OneWeb/SoftBank Transactions was conditioned on the successful completion of debt exchange offers for certain outstanding notes of Intelsat Jackson, Intelsat Luxembourg and ICF. In June 2017, Intelsat announced that the debt exchange offers had expired without sufficient tenders having been received, and Intelsat subsequently received termination notices from OneWeb and SoftBank terminating the Combination Agreement and Share Purchase Agreement, respectively. July 2017 Intelsat Jackson Senior Notes Refinancing On July 5, 2017, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 9.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Jackson Notes”). These notes are guaranteed by all of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries that guarantee its obligations under the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement and senior notes, as well as by certain of Intelsat Jackson’s parent entities. Also on July 5, 2017, the net proceeds from the sale of the 2025 Jackson Notes were used, along with other available cash, to satisfy and discharge all $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Intelsat Jackson’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2019. In connection with the satisfaction and discharge, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4.6 million, consisting of the difference between the carrying value of the debt redeemed and the total cash amount paid (including related fees and expenses), together with a write-off November & December 2017 Amendments to Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Credit Facility In November and December 2017, Intelsat Jackson entered into amendments of the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. See—Description of Indebtedness— Intelsat Jackson Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Credit Agreement 2016 Debt Transactions March 2016 Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Notes Offering On March 29, 2016, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Secured Jackson Notes”). The 2024 Secured Jackson Notes bear interest at 8% annually and mature in February 2024. These notes are guaranteed by ICF and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries. The net proceeds from this offering have been and, are expected to be, used for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment and repurchase of indebtedness, capital expenditures and working capital and to pay fees and expenses related to the offering. A portion of the net proceeds was used to prepay in full all amounts outstanding under an intercompany loan due by Intelsat Jackson. May 2016 Intelsat Jackson Notes Repurchases In May 2016, we repurchased $459.7 million in aggregate principal amount of Intelsat Jackson’s outstanding 6 5 8 write-off Subsidiary Guarantee of Intelsat Jackson’s 6 5 8 In May 2016, Intelsat Jackson and each of the subsidiaries of Intelsat Jackson that guarantees loans under Intelsat Jackson’s Secured Credit Agreement executed a supplemental indenture to the indenture governing the 2022 Jackson Notes, following the execution of which such subsidiaries guarantee the 2022 Jackson Notes. 2016 Intelsat Jackson Tender Offers and June 2016 Senior Secured Notes Issuance In May 2016, Intelsat Jackson commenced tender offers to purchase several tranches of outstanding debt (the “Tender Offers”). In June 2016, Intelsat Jackson completed an issuance of $490 million aggregate principal amount of 9 1 2 non-cash write-off September 2016 Intelsat Jackson Debt Exchange and Consent Solicitation In September 2016, Intelsat Jackson completed a debt exchange receiving $141.4 million aggregate principal amount of 2022 Jackson Notes in exchange for $99.7 million aggregate principal amount of newly issued 2024 Secured Jackson Notes issued and $17.0 million in cash. In connection with this exchange, Intelsat Jackson also received a consent from holders of $141.5 million principal amount of 2022 Jackson Notes in exchange for $9.2 million in cash to amend the indenture governing the 2022 Jackson Notes, among other things to: (i) eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default pertaining to the 2022 Jackson Notes, and (ii) waive any defaults or events of default potentially existing under the indenture governing the 2022 Jackson Notes as of September 12, 2016. We determined the transaction was accounted for as a modification and not as an extinguishment of debt under ASU 470, Debt December 2016 Intelsat Connect Finance Exchange Offers First 2018 Luxembourg Exchange 1 2 2021 Luxembourg Exchange 3 4 write-off 2023 Luxembourg Exchange 1 8 write-off Description of Indebtedness (a) Intelsat Luxembourg 6 3 4 Intelsat Luxembourg had $96.7 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2018 Luxembourg Notes. The 2018 Luxembourg Notes bear interest at 6 3 4 Interest is payable on the 2018 Luxembourg Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2018 Luxembourg Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Luxembourg and rank equally with Intelsat Luxembourg’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. 7 3 4 Intelsat Luxembourg had $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Luxembourg Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. $979.2 million principal amount were held by ICF. The 2021 Luxembourg Notes bear interest at 7 3 4 Interest is payable on the 2021 Luxembourg Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2021 Luxembourg Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Luxembourg and rank equally with Intelsat Luxembourg’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. 8 1 8 Intelsat Luxembourg had $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Luxembourg Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. $111.7 million principal amount were held by ICF. The 2023 Luxembourg Notes bear interest at 8 1 8 Interest is payable on the 2023 Luxembourg Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem the 2023 Luxembourg Notes, in whole or in part, prior to June 1, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2023 Luxembourg Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Luxembourg and rank equally with Intelsat Luxembourg’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. 12 1 2 Intelsat Luxembourg had $403.4 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Luxembourg Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. $402.6 million principal amount were held by ICF. The 2024 Luxembourg Notes bear interest at 12 1 2 Interest is payable on the 2024 Luxembourg Notes semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. The 2024 Luxembourg Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Luxembourg and rank equally with Intelsat Luxembourg’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. (b) Intelsat Connect Finance 12 1 2 ICF had $731.9 million in aggregate principal amount of 2022 ICF Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. The 2022 ICF Notes bear interest at 12 1 2 Interest is payable on the 2022 ICF Notes semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. ICF may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. (c) Intelsat Jackson 9 1 2 Intelsat Jackson had $490 million in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Jackson Secured Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. The 2022 Jackson Secured Notes bear interest at 9 1 2 Interest is payable on the 2022 Jackson Secured Notes semi-annually on March 30 and September 30. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2022 Jackson Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of Intelsat Jackson. 8 % Senior Secured Notes due 2024 Intelsat Jackson had $1.3 billion in aggregate principal amount of 2024 Jackson Secured Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. The 2024 Jackson Secured Notes bear interest at 8% annually and mature in February 2024. These notes are guaranteed by ICF and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries. Interest is payable on the 2024 Jackson Secured Notes semi-annually on February 15 and August 15. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2024 Jackson Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of Intelsat Jackson. 7 1 4 Intelsat Jackson had $2.2 billion in aggregate principal amount of 2020 Jackson Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. The 2020 Jackson Notes bear interest at 7 1 4 Interest is payable on the 2020 Jackson Notes semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2020 Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. 7 1 2 Intelsat Jackson had $1.15 billion in aggregate principal amount of 2021 Jackson Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. The 2021 Jackson Notes bear interest at 7 1 2 Interest is payable on the New Jackson Notes semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. The 2021 Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. 5 1 2 Intelsat Jackson had $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Jackson Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. The 2023 Jackson Notes bear interest at 5 1 2 Interest is payable on the 2023 Jackson Notes semi-annually on February 1 and August 1. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2023 Jackson Notes at any time prior to August 1, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2023 Intelsat Jackson Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2023 Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. 9 3 4 Intelsat Jackson had $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Jackson Notes outstanding at December 31, 2017. The 2025 Jackson Notes bear interest at 9 3 / 4 % Interest is payable on the 2025 Jackson Notes semi-annually on January 15 and July 15. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2025 Jackson Notes at any time prior to July 15, 2021 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes. The 2025 Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness. Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Credit Agreement On January 12, 2011, Intelsat Jackson entered into a secured credit agreement (the “Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement”), which included a $3.25 billion term loan facility and a $500.0 million revolving credit facility, and borrowed the full $3.25 billion under the term loan facility. The term loan facility required regularly scheduled quarterly payments of principal equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan beginning six months after January 12, 2011, with the remaining unpaid amount due and payable at maturity. On October 3, 2012, Intelsat Jackson entered into an Amendment and Joinder Agreement (the “Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment”), which amended the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. As a result of the Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment, interest rates for borrowings under the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility were reduced. In April 2013, our corporate family rating was upgraded by Moody’s, and as a result, the interest rate for the borrowing under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were further reduced to LIBOR plus 3.00% or the Above Bank Rate (“ABR”) plus 2.00%. On November 27, 2013, Intelsat Jackson entered into a Second Amendment and Joinder Agreement (the “Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment”), which further amended the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. The Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment reduced interest rates for borrowings under the term loan facility and extended the maturity of the term loan facility. In addition, it reduced the interest rate applicable to $450 million of the $500 million total revolving credit facility and extended the maturity of such portion. As a result of the Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment, interest rates for borrowings under the term loan facility and the new tranche of the revolving credit facility were (i) LIBOR plus 2.75%, or (ii) the ABR plus 1.75%. The LIBOR and the ABR, plus applicable margins, related to the term loan facility and the new tranche of the revolving credit facility were determined as specified in the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement, as amended by the Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment, and the LIBOR was not to be less than 1.00% per annum. The maturity date of the term loan facility was extended from April 2, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and the maturity of the new $450 million tranche of the revolving credit facility was extended from January 12, 2016 to July 12, 2017. The interest rates and maturity date applicable to the $50 million tranche of the revolving credit facility that was not amended did not change. The Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment further removed the requirement for regularly scheduled quarterly principal payments under the term loan facility. In June 2017, Intelsat Jackson terminated all remaining commitments under its revolving credit facility. On November 27, 2017, Intelsat Jackson entered into a Third Amendment and Joinder Agreement (the “Third Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment”), which further amended the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. The Third Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment extended the maturity date of $2.0 billion of the existing floating rate B-2 “B-3 B-3 B-3 B-3 B-3 On December 12, 2017, Intelsat Jackson further amended the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement by entering into a Fourth Amendment and Joinder Agreement (the “Fourth Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment”), which, among other things, (i) permitted Intelsat Jackson to establish one or more series of additional incremental term loan tranches if the proceeds thereof are used to refinance an existing tranche of term loans, and (ii) added a most-favored nation provision applicable to the B-3 B-2 On January 2, 2018, Intelsat Jackson entered into a Fifth Amendment and Joinder Agreement (the “Fifth Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment”), which further amended the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. The Fifth Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment refinanced the remaining $1.095 billion B-2 “B-4 “B-5 B-4 B-5 B-4 B-5 B-4 B-5 We entered into interest rate caps, effective in February 2018, to mitigate the risk of interest rate increases on the B-3 Tranche Term Loans and the B-4 Tranche Term Loans. Intelsat Jackson’s obligations under the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement are guaranteed by ICF and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries. Intelsat Jackson’s obligations under the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Intelsat Jackson and the guarantors party thereto, to the extent legally permissible and subject to certain agreed exceptions, and by a pledge of the equity interests of the subsidiary guarantors and the direct subsidiaries of each guarantor, subject to certain exceptions, including exceptions for equity interests in certain non-U.S. The Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants. Intelsat Jackson must maintain a consolidated secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio equal to or less than 3.50 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter, as well as a consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense ratio equal to or greater than 1.75 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter, in each case as such financial measures are defined in the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. Intelsat Jackson was in compliance with these financial maintenance covenant ratios with a consolidated secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of 2.74 to 1.00 and a consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense ratio of 2.05 to 1.00 as of December 31, 2017.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 13 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Undesignated Interest Rate Cap During 2017, we entered into interest rate caps to mitigate the risk of interest rate increases on our floating rate Senior Secured Credit Facilities with a notional value of $2.4 billion. The fair value, included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet of the derivative as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 was zero and $22.3 million, respectively. Put Option Embedded Derivative Instrument The 2022 ICF Notes contain a contingent put option clause within the host contract, which affords the holders of the notes the option to require us to repurchase such notes at 101% of their principal amount in the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the notes. We concluded that the contingent put option required bifurcation in accordance with FASB ASC 815, and have recorded the embedded derivative at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet in “Other long-term liabilities.” We estimated the fair value of the put option derivative using a valuation technique which reflects the estimated date and probability of a change of control, the fair value of the 2022 ICF Notes, and a credit valuation adjustment reflecting our credit spreads. The fair value of the embedded derivative was $1.5 million as of December 31, 2016 and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2017. Preferred Stock Warrant During 2017, we were issued a warrant to purchase Series E preferred shares of a cost method investment we entered into. We concluded that the warrant is a free standing derivative in accordance with FASB ASC 815. The fair value of the derivative, included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 was zero and $4.1 million, respectively. The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives by category (in thousands): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheets December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 Undesignated interest rate cap Other assets $ — $ 22,336 Preferred stock warrant Other assets — 4,100 Put option embedded derivative Other long-term liabilities 1,496 658 Total derivatives $ 1,496 $ 27,094 The following table sets forth the effect of the derivative instruments, included in interest expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Derivatives not designated as hedging Presentation in Statements of Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Undesignated interest rate cap Included in interest expense, net $ — $ — $ 1,006 Undesignated interest rate swaps Included in interest expense, net 3,483 — — Put option embedded derivative Included in other expense, net — — 732 Preferred stock warrant Included in other expense, net — — — Total loss on derivative financial instruments $ 3,483 $ — $ 1,738

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 14 Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“The Act”). The Act includes a number of provisions, including the lowering of the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, effective January 1, 2018. The Act limits our U.S. interest expense deductions to approximately 30 percent of EBITDA through December 31, 2021 and to approximately 30 percent of earnings before net interest and taxes (“EBIT”) thereafter. The Act also introduced a new minimum tax (“BEAT”). We are treating the BEAT as a period cost that does not impact the 2017 tax provision. We are currently evaluating the impact of The Act on our future cash taxes. The company recognized the income tax effects of The Act in its 2017 financial statements in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provides SEC staff guidance for the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period in which The Act was signed into law. As such, the company’s financial results reflect the income tax effects of The Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is complete and provisional amounts for those specific income tax effects of The Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined. The company did not identify items for which the income tax effects of The Act have not been completed and a reasonable estimate could not be determined as of December 31, 2017. The company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. Accordingly, the company’s U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities were remeasured to reflect the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, resulting in a $28 million income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a corresponding $28 million decrease in net deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2017. The following table summarizes our total income (loss) before income taxes (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Domestic income (loss) before income taxes $ (3,966,322 ) $ 938,156 $ (18,149 ) Foreign income before income taxes 48,382 71,942 (85,535 ) Total income (loss) before income taxes $ (3,917,940 ) $ 1,010,098 $ (103,684 ) The primary reason for the variance in domestic income before income tax was that our Luxembourg entities recorded a net gain on the extinguishment of debt in 2016. In 2015, they recorded impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets. No comparable amounts were recorded in 2017. The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Current income tax provision Domestic $ — $ (35 ) $ (125 ) Foreign 10,817 25,721 27,309 Total 10,817 25,686 27,184 Deferred income tax benefit: Domestic $ — $ (80 ) $ 72 Foreign (9,304 ) (9,620 ) 43,874 Total (9,304 ) (9,700 ) 43,946 Total income tax provision (benefit): $ 1,513 $ 15,986 $ 71,130 The income tax provision (benefit) was different from the amount computed using the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 27.08% for the reasons set forth in the following table (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Expected tax provision (benefit) at Luxembourg statutory income tax rate $ (1,144,822 ) $ 295,150 $ (28,078 ) Foreign income tax differential 42,339 51,787 66,242 Nontaxable interest income (67,651 ) — — Lux Financing Activities 40,169 (8,279 ) 30,232 Tax deductible impairment charges in Luxembourg subsidiaries (854,393 ) (1,280,759 ) — Change in tax rate — 416,156 (28,250 ) Goodwill impairment 599,974 — — Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (15,465 ) (1,629 ) (79 ) Changes in valuation allowance 1,463,774 554,479 40,853 Tax effect of 2011 Intercompany Sale (6,112 ) (6,701 ) (6,073 ) Foreign tax credits (2,171 ) (5,480 ) (3,107 ) Research and development tax credits (2,103 ) (3,275 ) (2,786 ) Other (52,026 ) 4,537 2,176 Total income tax provision (benefit) $ 1,513 $ 15,986 $ 71,130 The majority of our operations are located in taxable jurisdictions, including Luxembourg, the United States and the United Kingdom. Our Luxembourg companies that file tax returns as a consolidated group generated a taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2017. Due to our cumulative losses in recent years, and the inherent uncertainty associated with the realization of taxable income in the foreseeable future, we recorded a full valuation allowance against the net operating losses generated in Luxembourg. The difference between tax expense (benefit) reported in the consolidated statements of operations and tax computed at statutory rates is attributable to the valuation allowance on losses generated in Luxembourg, the provision for foreign taxes, which were principally in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as withholding taxes on revenue earned in many of the foreign markets in which we operate. Our Luxembourg net operating loss includes the effect of Luxembourg tax to U.S. GAAP differences, primarily related to fair value adjustments attributable to the migration of certain holding companies and subsidiaries’ jurisdiction of organization from Bermuda to Luxembourg on December 15, 2009 and the result of a series of internal transactions and related steps completed on January 12, 2011, that reorganized the ownership of our assets among our subsidiaries and effectively combined the legacy business of Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Company S.A. and Intelsat Corporation. Another reason for our Luxembourg net operating loss is the impairment charges against Luxembourg tax values of certain intangible assets and investments in subsidiaries. The following table details the composition of the net deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Long-term deferred taxes, net $ (168,445 ) $ (48,434 ) Other assets 15,181 14,583 Net deferred taxes $ (153,264 ) $ (33,851 ) The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Deferred tax assets: Accruals and advances $ 31,015 $ 17,169 Amortizable intangible assets 17,549 13,421 Non-Amortizable 76,774 147,332 Performance incentives 14,599 7,289 Customer deposits 20,664 16,064 Bad debt reserve 8,659 2,033 Accrued retirement benefits 67,998 43,592 Disallowed interest expense carryforward 109,575 75,546 Net operating loss carryforward 3,937,736 3,840,759 Tax credits 17,562 11,335 Other 16,491 8,418 Total deferred tax assets 4,318,622 4,182,958 Deferred tax liabilities: Satellites and other property and equipment (186,390 ) (266,330 ) Amortizable intangible assets (379,653 ) (366,777 ) Non-amortizable (186,618 ) (103,730 ) Tax basis differences in investments and affiliates (231,210 ) (6,753 ) Other (72,524 ) (16,875 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (1,056,395 ) (760,465 ) Valuation allowance (3,415,491 ) (3,456,344 ) Total net deferred tax liabilities $ (153,264 ) $ (33,851 ) In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, 2015-17 As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, our consolidated balance sheets included a deferred tax asset in the amount of $3.9 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively, attributable to the future benefit from the utilization of certain net operating loss carryforwards. In addition, our balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 included $28.7 million and $15.4 million of deferred tax assets, respectively, attributable to the future benefit from the utilization of tax credit carryforwards. Our alternative minimum tax credit as of December 31, 2017 of $2.3 million has been reclassified to a long term tax receivable as it is a refundable tax under The Act. As of December 31, 2017, we had tax-effected Our valuation allowance as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 was $3.4 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively. Almost all of the valuation allowance relates to Luxembourg net operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax assets created by differences between U.S. GAAP and Luxembourg tax basis. Certain operations of our subsidiaries are controlled by various intercompany agreements which provide these subsidiaries with predictable operating profits. Other subsidiaries, principally Luxembourg subsidiaries, are subject to the risks of our overall business conditions which make their earnings less predictable. Our valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017 also relates to certain deferred tax assets in our U.S. subsidiary, including foreign tax credit carryforward and disallowed interest expense carryforward. The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands): 2016 2017 Balance at January 1 $ 40,248 $ 36,167 Increases related to current year tax positions 2,301 2,193 Increases related to prior year tax positions 1,530 304 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (878 ) (3 ) Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes (7,034 ) (7,281 ) Balance at December 31 $ 36,167 $ 31,380 As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 our gross unrecognized tax benefits were $36.2 million and $31.4 million, respectively (including interest and penalties), of which $27.9 million and $27.8 million, respectively, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we had recorded reserves for interest and penalties in the amount of $3.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively. We continue to recognize interest and, to the extent applicable, penalties with respect to the unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Since December 31, 2017, the change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits consisted of an increase of $2.2 million related to current tax positions, an increase of $0.3 million related to prior tax positions, and a decrease of $7.3 million due to the expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes. We operate in various taxable jurisdictions throughout the world and our tax returns are subject to audit and review from time to time. We consider Luxembourg, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil to be our significant tax jurisdictions. Our Luxembourg, U.S., United Kingdom and Brazilian subsidiaries are subject to income tax examination for periods after December 31, 2011. Within the next twelve months, we believe that there are no jurisdictions in which the outcome of unresolved tax issues or claims is likely to be material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. On March 3, 2014, Intelsat Corp, Intelsat Global Service LLC, Intelsat General, Intelsat USA License LLC and Intelsat USA Sales LLC were notified by the District of Columbia Office of the Tax Revenue of its intent to initiate an audit for the tax years ending 2010 and 2011. In June 2017, this audit was closed without any adjustments that were material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Contractual Commitments

Contractual Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Commitments	Note 15 Contractual Commitments In the further development and operation of our commercial global communications satellite system, significant additional expenditures are anticipated. In connection with these and other expenditures, we have a significant amount of long-term debt, as described in “Note 12—Long-Term Debt.” In addition to these debt and related interest obligations, we have expenditures represented by other contractual commitments. The additional expenditures as of December 31, 2017 and the expected year of payment are as follows (in thousands): Satellite Satellite Horizons-3 (1) Operating Sublease Rental Income Customer and Total 2018 $ 324,403 $ 42,987 $ 41,500 $ 14,338 $ (665 ) $ 97,647 $ 520,210 2019 268,098 42,244 4,600 13,889 (617 ) 17,763 345,977 2020 149,047 43,023 11,900 13,500 (526 ) 7,546 224,490 2021 18,738 42,226 13,500 13,376 (312 ) 2,136 89,664 2022 17,121 31,898 15,900 13,424 (143 ) 894 79,094 2023 and thereafter 51,197 158,189 59,700 93,501 (161 ) 406 362,832 Total contractual commitments $ 828,604 $ 360,567 $ 147,100 $ 162,028 $ (2,424 ) $ 126,392 $ 1,622,267 (1) See Note 10(b)—Investments—Horizons-3 (a) Satellite Construction and Launch Obligations As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $828.6 million of expenditures remaining under our existing satellite construction and launch contracts. Satellite launch and in-orbit non-cancelable in-orbit The satellite construction contracts typically require that we make progress payments during the period of the satellites’ construction. The satellite construction contracts contain provisions that allow us to terminate the contracts with or without cause. If terminated without cause, we would forfeit the progress payments and be subject to termination payments that escalate with the passage of time. If terminated for cause, we would be entitled to recover any payments we made under the contracts and certain liquidated damages as specified in the contracts. (b) Satellite Performance Incentive Obligations Satellite construction contracts also typically require that we make orbital incentive payments (plus interest as defined in each agreement with the satellite manufacturer) over the orbital life of the satellite. The incentive obligations may be subject to reduction or refund if the satellite fails to meet specific technical operating standards. As of December 31, 2017, we had $360.6 million of satellite performance incentive obligations, including future interest payments. (c) Operating Leases We have commitments for operating leases primarily relating to equipment and office facilities, including our U.S. Administrative Headquarters in McLean, Virginia. As of December 31, 2017, the total obligation related to operating leases, net of sublease income on leased facilities and rental income, was $159.6 million. Rental income and sublease income are included in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, was $14.9 million, $14.0 million and $14.8 million, respectively. (d) Customer and Vendor Contracts We have contracts with certain customers that require us to provide equipment, services and other support during the term of the related contracts. We also have long-term contractual obligations with service providers primarily for the operation of certain of our satellites. As of December 31, 2017, we had commitments under these customer and vendor contracts which totaled approximately $126.4 million related to the provision of equipment, services and other support.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Note 16 Contingencies We are subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that the resolution of any pending proceedings would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Business and Geographic Segment

Business and Geographic Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business and Geographic Segment Information	Note 17 Business and Geographic Segment Information We operate in a single industry segment in which we provide satellite services to our communications customers around the world. Revenue by region is based on the locations of customers to which services are billed. Our satellites are in geosynchronous orbit, and consequently are not attributable to any geographic location. Of our remaining assets, substantially all are located in the United States. The geographic distribution of our revenue based upon billing region of the customer was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 North America 47 % 49 % 50 % Europe 15 % 14 % 13 % Latin America and Caribbean 15 % 15 % 14 % Africa and Middle East 14 % 13 % 14 % Asia-Pacific 9 % 9 % 9 % Approximately 7%, 8% and 9% of our revenue was derived from our largest customer during each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The ten largest customers accounted for approximately 29%, 31% and 34% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. We earn revenue primarily by providing services to our customers using our satellite transponder capacity. Our customers generally obtain satellite capacity from us by placing an order pursuant to one of several master customer service agreements. On-network off-network Off-network Off-Network Our revenues were derived from the following services, with Off-Network On-Network Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 On-Network Transponder services $ 1,705,568 73 % $ 1,561,108 71 % $ 1,543,384 72 % Managed services 405,330 17 % 414,758 19 % 412,147 19 % Channel 38,872 2 % 9,134 0 % 5,405 0 % Total on-network 2,149,770 91 % 1,985,000 91 % 1,960,936 91 % Off-Network Transponder, MSS and other off-network 160,063 7 % 157,212 7 % 141,845 7 % Satellite-related services 42,688 2 % 45,835 2 % 45,831 2 % Total off-network 202,751 9 % 203,047 9 % 187,676 9 % Total $ 2,352,521 100 % $ 2,188,047 100 % $ 2,148,612 100 %

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 18 Related Party Transactions (a) Shareholders’ Agreements Certain shareholders of Intelsat Global S.A. entered into shareholders’ agreements on February 4, 2008. The shareholders’ agreements were assigned to Intelsat S.A. by amendments effective as of March 30, 2012. The shareholders’ agreements and the articles of incorporation of Intelsat S.A. provided, among other things, for the governance of Intelsat S.A. and its subsidiaries and provided specific rights to and limitations upon the holders of Intelsat S.A.’s share capital with respect to shares held by such holders. In connection with our initial public offering (the “IPO”) in April 2013, these articles of incorporation and shareholders’ agreements were amended. (b) Governance Agreement Prior to the consummation of the IPO, we entered into a governance agreement (as amended, the “Governance Agreement”) with our shareholder affiliated with BC Partners (the “BC Shareholder”), our shareholder affiliated with Silver Lake (the “Silver Lake Shareholder”) and David McGlade, our Executive Chairman (collectively with the BC Shareholder and the Silver Lake Shareholder, the “Governance Shareholders”). The Governance Agreement contains provisions relating to the composition of our board of directors and certain other matters. (c) Indemnification Agreements We have entered into agreements with our executive officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our articles of incorporation. (d) Horizons Holdings We have a 50% ownership interest in Horizons Holdings as a result of a joint venture with JSAT (see Note 10(a)—Investments—Horizons Holdings). (e) Horizons 3 Satellite LLC We have a 50% ownership interest in Horizons 3 as a result of a joint venture with JSAT (see Note 10(b)—Investments—Horizons-3

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations (in thousands, unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (in thousands, unaudited)	Note 19 Quarterly Results of Operations (in thousands, unaudited) Quarter Ended 2016 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Revenue (1) $ 552,643 $ 541,983 $ 542,727 $ 550,694 Income from operations (1) 239,173 227,324 220,410 233,705 Net income 16,292 117,412 (3) 196,605 (3) 663,803 (3) Net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. 15,326 116,429 (3) 195,622 (3) 662,820 (3) Net income attributable to common shareholders 15,326 116,429 (3) 195,622 (3) 662,820 (3) Net income per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.: Basic (2) $ 0.14 $ 1.02 $ 1.66 $ 5.62 Diluted (2) 0.13 0.98 1.65 5.56 Quarter Ended 2017 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Revenue (1) $ 538,484 $ 533,229 $ 538,759 $ 538,140 Income from operations (1) 217,596 229,113 234,033 233,815 Net loss (33,642 ) (4) (22,800 ) (29,416 ) (4) (88,956 ) Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A. (34,570 ) (4) (23,795 ) (30,412 ) (4) (89,951 ) Net loss attributable to common shareholders (34,570 ) (4) (23,795 ) (30,412 ) (4) (89,951 ) Net loss per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.: Basic (2) $ (0.29 ) $ (0.20 ) $ (0.26 ) $ (0.75 ) Diluted (2) (0.29 ) (0.20 ) (0.26 ) (0.75 ) (1) Our quarterly revenue and operating income (loss) are generally not impacted by seasonality, as customer contracts for satellite utilization are generally long-term. Revenue declines shown above were primarily due to declines from our network services customers, mainly due to reduced volumes resulting from non-renewals point-to-point non-renewals point-to-point (2) Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted per share information may not equal annual basic and diluted earnings per share. (3) The quarter ended June 30, 2016 includes a $131.4 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the May 2016 Intelsat Jackson Notes Repurchase. The quarter ended September 30, 2016 includes a $219.6 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the September 2016 Intelsat Jackson Debt Exchange and Consent Solicitation. The quarter ended December 31, 2016 includes a $679.1 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the December 2016 ICF Exchange Offers. (4) The quarter ended March 31, 2017 includes a $0.5 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the Second 2018 Luxembourg Exchange described above. The quarter ended September 30, 2017 includes a $4.6 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the July 2017 Intelsat Jackson Senior Notes Refinancing described above.

Supplemental Consolidating Fina

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information	Note 20 Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information On April 5, 2011, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $2.65 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, consisting of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% Senior Notes due 2019 and $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of its 7.5% Senior Notes due 2021 (collectively, the “New Jackson Notes”). The New Jackson Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by Intelsat S.A., Intelsat Holdings, Intelsat Investment Holdings S.à r.l. and Intelsat Investments (collectively, the “Parent Guarantors”); Intelsat Luxembourg and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Intelsat Jackson (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). On July 5, 2017, the net proceeds from the sale of the 2025 Jackson Notes were used, along with other available cash, to satisfy and discharge all $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Intelsat Jackson’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2019 pursuant to the indenture governing such notes. On April 26, 2012, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% Senior Notes due 2020, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg, ICF and the Subsidiary Guarantors. Separate financial statements of the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg, ICF, Intelsat Jackson and the Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented because management believes that such financial statements would not be material to investors. Investments in Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries in the following condensed consolidating financial information are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Consolidating adjustments include the following: • elimination of investment in subsidiaries; • elimination of intercompany accounts; • elimination of intercompany sales between guarantor and non-guarantor • elimination of equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries. We had other comprehensive income of $34.1 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 and other comprehensive loss of $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Other comprehensive income (loss) is fully attributable to the Subsidiary Guarantors, which are also consolidated within Intelsat Jackson. INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 (in thousands) Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Subsidiary Non -Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,010 $ 48,174 $ 67,822 $ 334,036 $ 256,619 $ 74,173 $ (256,619 ) $ 525,215 Restricted cash — — — 15,754 1,908 422 (1,908 ) 16,176 Receivables, net of allowance 4 59 — 162,474 162,072 58,686 (162,072 ) 221,223 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,102 — — 47,956 47,891 10,404 (50,491 ) 56,862 Intercompany receivables — 132,612 13,571 461,284 — — (607,467 ) — Total current assets 2,116 180,845 81,393 1,021,504 468,490 143,685 (1,078,557 ) 819,476 Satellites and other property and equipment, net — — — 5,837,190 5,837,190 86,429 (5,837,190 ) 5,923,619 Goodwill — — — 2,620,627 2,620,627 — (2,620,627 ) 2,620,627 Non-amortizable — — — 2,452,900 2,452,900 — (2,452,900 ) 2,452,900 Amortizable intangible assets, net — — — 349,584 349,584 — (349,584 ) 349,584 Investment in affiliates (3,252,586 ) (501,466 ) (970,929 ) 194,264 194,264 — 4,336,453 — Other assets 90 348 859,513 342,205 319,869 101,188 (1,179,383 ) 443,830 Total assets $ (3,250,380 ) $ (320,273 ) $ (30,023 ) $ 12,818,274 $ 12,242,924 $ 331,302 $ (9,181,788 ) $ 12,610,036 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 25,276 $ 413 $ 1,878 $ 111,121 $ 110,446 $ 21,644 $ (113,047 ) $ 157,731 Accrued interest payable — 13,163 4,066 245,978 5,956 — (5,956 ) 263,207 Current portion of long-term debt — 96,572 — — — — — 96,572 Deferred satellite performance incentives — — — 25,780 25,780 — (25,780 ) 25,780 Other current liabilities — — — 193,221 193,221 3,815 (193,221 ) 197,036 Intercompany payables 512,908 — — — 1,290,806 94,559 (1,898,273 ) — Total current liabilities 538,184 110,148 5,944 576,100 1,626,209 120,018 (2,236,277 ) 740,326 Long-term debt, net of current portion — 3,172,298 464,784 11,684,650 — — (1,209,646 ) 14,112,086 Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion — — — 215,352 215,352 — (215,352 ) 215,352 Deferred revenue, net of current portion — — — 794,542 794,542 165 (794,542 ) 794,707 Deferred income taxes — — — 37,890 37,890 10,544 (37,890 ) 48,434 Accrued retirement benefits — — — 190,857 190,857 222 (190,857 ) 191,079 Other long-term liabilities — 784 716 289,812 289,812 6,088 (290,596 ) 296,616 — Shareholders’ equity (deficit): — Common shares 1,196 7,202 — 200 7,346,327 24 (7,353,753 ) 1,196 Other shareholders’ equity (deficit) (3,789,760 ) (3,610,705 ) (501,467 ) (971,129 ) 1,741,935 194,241 3,147,125 (3,789,760 ) Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ (3,250,380 ) $ (320,273 ) $ (30,023 ) $ 12,818,274 $ 12,242,924 $ 331,302 $ (9,181,788 ) $ 12,610,036 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. and Intelsat Intelsat Connect Intelsat Jackson Jackson Subsidiary Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation and Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 552 $ 59,752 $ 29,985 $ 495,225 $ 414,339 $ 80,510 $ (414,339 ) $ 666,024 Receivables, net of allowance 2 — — 151,345 151,322 51,689 (151,322 ) 203,036 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 882 3 — 48,320 48,263 6,703 (48,263 ) 55,908 Intercompany receivables — — 8,867 557,959 — 302,118 (868,944 ) — Total current assets 1,436 59,755 38,852 1,252,849 613,924 441,020 (1,482,868 ) 924,968 Satellites and other property and equipment, net — — — 6,096,459 6,096,459 89,383 (6,096,459 ) 6,185,842 Goodwill — — — 2,620,627 2,620,627 — (2,620,627 ) 2,620,627 Non-amortizable — — — 2,452,900 2,452,900 — (2,452,900 ) 2,452,900 Amortizable intangible assets, net — — — 391,838 391,838 — (391,838 ) 391,838 Investment in affiliates (3,086,095 ) (23,113 ) (651,909 ) 184,804 184,804 — 3,391,509 — Other assets 169 — 681,910 303,623 303,623 62,123 (985,614 ) 365,834 Total assets $ (3,084,490 ) $ 36,642 $ 68,853 $ 13,303,100 $ 12,664,175 $ 592,526 $ (10,638,797 ) $ 12,942,009 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 23,153 $ — $ 10,830 $ 221,564 $ 218,897 $ 27,351 $ (218,897 ) $ 282,898 Accrued interest payable — 13,158 2,287 189,395 3,146 — (3,146 ) 204,840 Deferred satellite performance incentives — — — 23,455 23,455 — (23,455 ) 23,455 Other current liabilities — — — 219,389 219,389 3,081 (219,389 ) 222,470 Intercompany payables 502,355 366,589 — — 2,183,616 — (3,052,560 ) — Total current liabilities 525,508 379,747 13,117 653,803 2,648,503 30,432 (3,517,447 ) 733,663 Long-term debt, net of current portion — 3,467,902 434,627 11,702,378 — — (1,406,823 ) 14,198,084 Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion — — — 210,706 210,706 — (210,706 ) 210,706 Deferred revenue, net of current portion — — — 906,521 906,521 223 (906,521 ) 906,744 Deferred income taxes — — — 156,081 156,081 12,444 (156,161 ) 168,445 Accrued retirement benefits — — — 186,086 186,086 198 (186,086 ) 186,284 Other long-term liabilities — — 1,554 139,434 139,434 7,093 (139,434 ) 148,081 Shareholders’ equity (deficit): Common shares 1,180 7,202 — 200 5,558,066 24 (5,565,492 ) 1,180 Other shareholders’ equity (deficit) (3,611,178 ) (3,818,209 ) (380,445 ) (652,109 ) 2,858,778 542,112 1,449,873 (3,611,178 ) Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ (3,084,490 ) $ 36,642 $ 68,853 $ 13,303,100 $ 12,664,175 $ 592,526 $ (10,638,797 ) $ 12,942,009 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Revenue $ 22,505 $ — $ — $ 2,003,186 $ 2,003,201 $ 511,940 $ (2,392,220 ) $ 2,148,612 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) — — — 276,673 276,673 434,491 (665,621 ) 322,216 Selling, general and administrative 19,465 592 1,717 122,630 115,619 57,673 (113,681 ) 204,015 Depreciation and amortization — — — 689,244 689,244 18,580 (689,244 ) 707,824 Total operating expenses 19,465 592 1,717 1,088,547 1,081,536 510,744 (1,468,546 ) 1,234,055 Income (loss) from operations 3,040 (592 ) (1,717 ) 914,639 921,665 1,196 (923,674 ) 914,557 Interest expense (income), net 15,977 359,211 (14,116 ) 727,540 176,767 (53,617 ) (190,992 ) 1,020,770 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — 209,771 6 (4,612 ) — — (209,274 ) (4,109 ) Subsidiary income (165,800 ) 181,291 114,318 (2,704 ) (2,704 ) — (124,401 ) — Other income (expense), net (44 ) (786 ) 728 7,088 7,035 (1,133 ) (6,250 ) 6,638 Income before income taxes (178,781 ) 30,473 127,451 186,871 749,229 53,680 (1,072,607 ) (103,684 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (53 ) — — 72,553 72,553 (1,370 ) (72,553 ) 71,130 Net income (178,728 ) 30,473 127,451 114,318 676,676 55,050 (1,000,054 ) (174,814 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (3,914 ) — (3,914 ) Net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (178,728 ) $ 30,473 $ 127,451 $ 114,318 $ 676,676 $ 51,136 $ (1,000,054 ) $ (178,728 ) (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Revenue $ 2,952 $ — $ — $ 1,999,114 $ 1,999,129 $ 562,372 $ (2,375,520 ) $ 2,188,047 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) — — — 264,587 264,587 452,899 (640,926 ) 341,147 Selling, general and administrative 7,884 168 61 140,952 137,488 79,083 (134,239 ) 231,397 Depreciation and amortization — — — 676,542 676,542 18,349 (676,542 ) 694,891 Total operating expenses 7,884 168 61 1,082,081 1,078,617 550,331 (1,451,707 ) 1,267,435 Income (loss) from operations (4,932 ) (168 ) (61 ) 917,033 920,512 12,041 (923,813 ) 920,612 Interest expense (income), net 13,596 272,791 8 661,671 183,931 (9,505 ) (183,991 ) 938,501 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — — 350,962 — — 679,130 1,030,092 Subsidiary income 1,008,614 605,685 597,995 9,869 9,869 — (2,232,032 ) — Other income (expense), net (4 ) — — (5,909 ) 1,812 3,808 (1,812 ) (2,105 ) Income before income taxes 990,082 332,726 597,926 610,284 748,262 25,354 (2,294,536 ) 1,010,098 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (115 ) — — 12,290 12,290 3,811 (12,290 ) 15,986 Net income 990,197 332,726 597,926 597,994 735,972 21,543 (2,282,246 ) 994,112 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (3,915 ) — (3,915 ) Net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ 990,197 $ 332,726 $ 597,926 $ 597,994 $ 735,972 $ 17,628 $ (2,282,246 ) $ 990,197 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Revenue $ — $ — $ 2,160,235 $ 2,160,251 $ 554,831 $ (2,522,796 ) $ 2,352,521 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) — — 241,603 241,603 449,274 (603,979 ) 328,501 Selling, general and administrative 7,912 193 126,331 125,494 65,143 (125,661 ) 199,412 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles — — 4,165,400 4,165,400 — (4,165,400 ) 4,165,400 Depreciation and amortization — — 654,784 654,784 32,945 (654,784 ) 687,729 Total operating expenses 7,912 193 5,188,118 5,187,281 547,362 (5,549,824 ) 5,381,042 Income (loss) from operations (7,912 ) (193 ) (3,027,883 ) (3,027,030 ) 7,469 3,027,028 (3,028,521 ) Interest expense (income), net 10,723 274,451 613,162 36,059 (8,057 ) (36,059 ) 890,279 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — 7,061 — — — — 7,061 Subsidiary income (loss) (3,904,747 ) (3,614,952 ) 11,983 11,983 — 7,495,733 — Other income (expense), net — — 4,367 (5,136 ) (10,568 ) 5,136 (6,201 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (3,923,382 ) (3,882,535 ) (3,624,695 ) (3,056,242 ) 4,958 10,563,956 (3,917,940 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 3 — (1,871 ) (1,885 ) 3,381 1,885 1,513 Net income (loss) (3,923,385 ) (3,882,535 ) (3,622,824 ) (3,054,357 ) 1,577 10,562,071 (3,919,453 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — (3,934 ) — (3,934 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A. (3,923,385 ) (3,882,535 ) (3,622,824 ) (3,054,357 ) (2,357 ) 10,562,071 (3,923,387 ) Cumulative preferred dividends (9,919 ) — — — — — (9,919 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ (3,933,304 ) $ (3,882,535 ) $ (3,622,824 ) $ (3,054,357 ) $ (2,357 ) $ 10,562,071 $ (3,933,306 ) (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 (in thousands) Intelsat Intelsat Luxembourg Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: $ 27 $ (288,884 ) $ 30,297 $ 699,755 $ 778,307 $ 25,037 $ (780,309 ) $ 464,230 Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest) — — — (445,842 ) (445,842 ) (15,785 ) 445,842 (461,627 ) Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans — — — (603 ) (603 ) — 1,206 — Investment in subsidiaries — (7,144 ) — (37,986 ) (31,486 ) — 76,616 — Dividend from affiliates — 286,454 286,454 13,755 13,755 — (600,418 ) — Purchase of cost method investments — — — (25,744 ) (25,744 ) — 25,744 (25,744 ) Capital contributions to unconsolidated affiliate — — — — — (30,714 ) — (30,714 ) Proceeds from insurance settlements — — — 49,788 49,788 — (49,788 ) 49,788 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — 279,310 286,454 (446,632 ) (440,132 ) (46,499 ) (100,798 ) (468,297 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — — — 1,500,000 — — — 1,500,000 Repayments of long-term debt — — — (1,500,000 ) — — — (1,500,000 ) Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany loans — — — — — 603 (603 ) — Debt issuance costs — (2,002 ) — (41,237 ) — — 2,002 (41,237 ) Payments on debt exchange — — (14 ) — — — — (14 ) Dividends paid to preferred shareholders — — — — (8,724 ) — 8,724 — Other payments for satellites — — — (35,396 ) (35,396 ) — 35,396 (35,396 ) Capital contribution from parent — — 7,144 — 63,023 37,986 (108,153 ) — Dividends to shareholders — — (286,454 ) (286,454 ) (477,425 ) (13,755 ) 1,064,088 — Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives — — — (37,186 ) (37,186 ) — 37,186 (37,186 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (8,755 ) — (8,755 ) Restricted cash for collateral — — — (15,747 ) (1,901 ) (413 ) 1,901 (16,160 ) Other financing activities 476 — 414 — — — — 890 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 476 (2,002 ) (278,910 ) (416,020 ) (497,609 ) 15,666 1,040,541 (137,858 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (45 ) (2 ) (4 ) 1,708 1,714 (541 ) (1,714 ) 1,116 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 458 (11,578 ) 37,837 (161,189 ) (157,720 ) (6,337 ) 157,720 (140,809 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 552 59,752 29,985 495,225 414,339 80,510 (414,339 ) 666,024 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,010 $ 48,174 $ 67,822 $ 334,036 $ 256,619 $ 74,173 $ (256,619 ) $ 525,215 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Luxembourg Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: $ (10,234 ) $ 89,342 $ 4,764 $ 917,923 $ 1,506,746 $ (314,986 ) $ (1,510,049 ) $ 683,506 Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest) — — — (699,213 ) (699,213 ) (15,357 ) 699,213 (714,570 ) Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans 4,895 — — — — 359,237 (364,132 ) — Investment in subsidiaries (6,087 ) (300,050 ) — (30,655 ) (10,955 ) — 347,747 — Dividend from affiliates — 269,700 — 8,980 8,980 — (287,660 ) — Purchase of cost method investment — — — (4,000 ) (4,000 ) — 4,000 (4,000 ) Capital contributions to unconsolidated affiliate — — — — — (10,340 ) — (10,340 ) Other investing activities — — — — — (1,679 ) — (1,679 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,192 ) (30,350 ) — (724,888 ) (705,188 ) 331,861 399,168 (730,589 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — — — 1,250,000 — — — 1,250,000 Repayments of long-term debt — — — (328,944 ) — — — (328,944 ) Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany loans — — — (364,132 ) (12,438 ) — 376,570 — Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt — — — (32 ) — — — (32 ) Debt issuance costs — — (15,562 ) (26,133 ) — — 3,302 (38,393 ) Payments on tender, debt exchange and consent transaction — — (259,267 ) (34,009 ) — — — (293,276 ) Dividends paid to preferred shareholders (4,959 ) — — — — — — (4,959 ) Other payments for satellites — — — (18,333 ) (18,333 ) — 18,333 (18,333 ) Capital contribution from parent — — 300,050 — 96,658 36,742 (433,450 ) — Dividends to shareholders — — — (269,700 ) (524,327 ) (8,980 ) 803,007 — Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives — — — (17,429 ) (17,429 ) — 17,429 (17,429 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (8,980 ) — (8,980 ) Other financing activities — — — 1,942 — — — 1,942 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (4,959 ) — 25,221 193,230 (475,869 ) 18,782 785,191 541,596 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (4 ) — — (999 ) (991 ) 972 992 (30 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (16,389 ) 58,992 29,985 385,266 324,698 36,629 (324,698 ) 494,483 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 16,941 760 — 109,959 89,641 43,881 (89,641 ) 171,541 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 552 $ 59,752 $ 29,985 $ 495,225 $ 414,339 $ 80,510 $ (414,339 ) $ 666,024 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Luxembourg Intelsat Jackson Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: $ 724 $ (251,879 ) $ 1,138,747 $ 1,629,412 $ 22,438 $ (1,629,411 ) $ 910,031 Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest) — — (720,273 ) (720,273 ) (4,089 ) 720,273 (724,362 ) Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans 9,538 — 2,064 2,064 (346,799 ) 333,133 — Investment in subsidiaries (7,355 ) (610,000 ) (198 ) (40,444 ) — 657,997 — Dividend from affiliates 19,000 898,400 28,423 28,423 — (974,246 ) — Purchase of cost method investment — — (25,000 ) (25,000 ) — 25,000 (25,000 ) Other investing activities — — 432 432 (424 ) (432 ) 8 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 21,183 288,400 (714,552 ) (754,798 ) (351,312 ) 761,725 (749,354 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of long-term debt — (17,829 ) (479,000 ) — — — (496,829 ) Proceeds from drawdown of long-term debt — — 430,000 — — — 430,000 Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing (1,430 ) — 337,261 — (634 ) (335,197 ) — Dividends paid to preferred shareholders (9,919 ) — — — — — (9,919 ) Capital contribution from parent — — 250,000 86,316 367,553 (703,869 ) — Dividends to shareholders — (19,000 ) (898,400 ) (916,697 ) (28,423 ) 1,862,520 — Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives — — (18,405 ) (18,405 ) (1,163 ) 18,405 (19,568 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest — — — — (8,423 ) — (8,423 ) Other financing activities 154 — 1,600 1,600 — (1,601 ) 1,753 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (11,195 ) (36,829 ) (376,944 ) (847,186 ) 328,910 840,258 (102,986 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (925 ) (931 ) (8,372 ) 931 (9,297 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 10,712 (308 ) 46,326 26,497 (8,336 ) (26,497 ) 48,394 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 6,229 1,068 63,633 63,144 52,217 (63,144 ) 123,147 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 16,941 $ 760 $ 109,959 $ 89,641 $ 43,881 $ (89,641 ) $ 171,541

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALI

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Description Balance at Beginning Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions Balance at End of Period (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2015: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 35,174 $ 7,432 $ (5,428 ) $ 37,178 Year ended December 31, 2016: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 37,178 $ 24,591 $ (7,025 ) $ 54,744 Year ended December 31, 2017: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 54,744 $ (4,094 ) $ (20,981 ) $ 29,669

Significant Accounting Polici31

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	(a) Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Intelsat S.A., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of one VIE, as more fully described in Note 10—Investments, and accordingly, we include in our consolidated financial statements the assets and liabilities and results of operations of the entity, even though we may not own a majority voting interest. We use the equity method to account for our investments in entities where we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but do not retain control under either the voting interest model (generally 20% to 50% ownership interest) or the variable interest model. In 2015, we entered into a joint venture agreement as further described in Note 10—Investments, and the investment is accounted for using the equity method. We have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.
Use of Estimates	(b) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods, and the disclosures of contingent liabilities. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	(c) Revenue Recognition We earn revenue from providing satellite services and managed services to customers. We enter into contracts with customers to provide satellite transponders and transponder capacity and, in certain cases, earth stations and teleport facilities, for periods typically ranging from one year to the life of the satellite. Our revenue recognition policies are as follows: Satellite Utilization Charges. Satellite Related Consulting and Technical Services. Tracking, Telemetry and Commanding (“TT&C”). In-Orbit back-up in-orbit Revenue Share Arrangements. We may sell these products or services individually or in some combination to our customers. When these products and services are sold together, we account for the multiple elements under FASB ASC Topic 605-25, Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements 605-25”). 605-25
Fair Value Measurements	(d) Fair Value Measurements We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments using available market information and valuation methodologies. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure non-financial The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows: • Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2—quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and • Level 3—unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are generally time deposits with banks and money market funds. The carrying amount of these investments approximates market value.
Receivables and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts	(f) Receivables and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts We provide satellite services and extend credit to numerous customers in the satellite communication, telecommunications and video markets. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and anticipated losses. We believe we have adequate customer collateral and reserves to cover our exposure. If we determine that the collection of payments is not reasonably assured at the time the respective service is provided, we defer recognition of the revenue until we believe collection is reasonably assured or the payment is received.
Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	(g) Satellites and Other Property and Equipment Satellites and other property and equipment are stated at historical cost, or in the case of certain satellites acquired, the fair value at the date of acquisition. Capitalized costs consist primarily of the costs of satellite construction and launch, including launch insurance and insurance during the period of in-orbit We depreciate satellites and other property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings and improvements 10 - 40 Satellites and related costs 10 - 17 Ground segment equipment and software 4 - 15 Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware 4 - 12 Leasehold improvements (1) 2 - 12 (1) Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.
Other Assets	(h) Other Assets Other assets consist of investments in certain equity securities, long-term deposits, long-term receivables and other miscellaneous deferred charges and long-term assets.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	(i) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Intangible assets arising from business combinations are initially recorded at fair value. We record other intangible assets at cost. We amortize intangible assets with determinable lives (consisting of backlog and customer relationships) based on the expected pattern of consumption. We review these intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	(j) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review long-lived assets, including property and equipment and acquired intangible assets with estimable useful lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. These indicators of impairment can include, but are not limited to, the following: • satellite anomalies, such as a partial or full loss of power; • under-performance of an asset compared to expectations; and • shortened useful lives due to changes in the way an asset is used or expected to be used. The recoverability of an asset to be held and used is determined by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we record an impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, which we determine by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing discounted cash flow techniques.
Income Taxes	(k) Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740— Income Taxes We regularly assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets can be recovered. A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets based in part on the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to realize the deferred tax assets. During the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We evaluate our tax positions to determine if it is more likely than not that a tax position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and presuming the taxing authorities have full knowledge of the position and access to all relevant facts and information. When a tax position does not meet the more likely than not standard, we record a liability or contra asset for the entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefit. Additionally, for those tax positions that are determined more likely than not to be sustainable, we measure the tax position at the largest amount of benefit more likely than not (determined by cumulative probability) to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority.
Foreign Currency Translation	(l) Foreign Currency Translation Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, since substantially all customer contracts, capital expenditure contracts and operating expense obligations are denominated in U.S. dollars. Transactions not denominated in U.S. dollars have been translated using the spot rates of exchange at the dates of the transactions. We recognize differences on exchange arising on the settlement of the transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar in the consolidated statement of operations.
Comprehensive Income	(m) Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income or loss and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income or loss. Such items consist primarily of the change in the market value of available-for-sale
Share-Based Compensation	(n) Share-Based Compensation Compensation cost is recognized based on the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation Awards are measured at the grant date based on the fair value as calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for share options, a Monte Carlo simulation model for awards with market conditions, or the closing market price at the grant date for awards of shares or restricted shares units. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period, based on attainment of certain vesting requirements. The determination of the value of certain awards requires considerable judgment, including estimating expected volatility, expected term and risk-free rate. The Company’s expected volatility is based on the average volatility rates of similar actively-traded companies over the range of each award’s estimated expected term, which is based on the midpoint between the expected vesting time and the remaining contractual life. The risk-free rate is derived from the applicable Constant Maturity Treasury rate.
Deferred Satellite Performance Incentives	(o) Deferred Satellite Performance Incentives The cost of satellite construction may include an element of deferred consideration that we are obligated to pay to satellite manufacturers over the lives of the satellites, provided the satellites continue to operate in accordance with contractual specifications. Historically, the satellite manufacturers have earned substantially all of these payments. Therefore, we account for these payments as deferred financing. We capitalize the present value of these payments as part of the cost of the satellites and record a corresponding liability to the satellite manufacturers. Interest expense is recognized on the deferred financing and the liability is reduced as the payments are made.
Derivative Instruments	(p) Derivative Instruments We enter into derivative transactions primarily to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. We employ risk management strategies, which may include the use of foreign currency swaps, interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. We measure all derivatives at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not qualifying as hedges are recognized in earnings in the current period.
New Accounting Pronouncements	(q) New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Revenue Recognition 2014-09 The Company formed an implementation team to evaluate and direct the implementation of the new revenue recognition standard and related amendments. This evaluation also included the impact of the new standard on relevant controls, systems and business processes. The team assessed contracts entered into with key customers and other forms of agreements with customers globally and evaluated the provisions under the five-step model specified by the new guidance. Based on our assessment, the adoption of the new standard will impact the determination of transaction price for prepayment contracts, accounting of incremental costs for obtaining a contract, allocation of the transaction price to performance obligations in multiple element arrangements and will require additional disclosures. We have identified all contracts with prepayment provisions and determined that certain long-term contracts with prepayments contain a significant financing component primarily due to the length of time between when payment is received and when the transfer of services to the customer occurs. Further, we currently expense sales incentives under our sales incentive program as incurred. Under the new standard, we will be required to defer and amortize a portion of these incentive costs over the life of the contract. Lastly, prior to the adoption of the new standard, equipment revenue was required to be limited to the amount that was not contingent upon the delivery of additional items meeting other specified performance conditions. Under ASC 606, we are required to allocate the total contract revenue to various performance obligations such as equipment and service. As a result, we expect to recognize more equipment revenue upon customer acceptance, and recognize less revenue over the contract term than under previous accounting rules. More importantly, total revenue over the full contract term will be unchanged and there will be no change to customer billing, the timing of cash flows, or the presentation of cash flows. We will adopt the new revenue standard effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts for which not substantially all revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP. Upon adoption, we will recognize the cumulative effect as an adjustment to our opening accumulated deficit, with a corresponding increase to contract liabilities for our existing contracts with prepayment provisions. On an ongoing basis, the adjustment related to contracts with a significant financing component will result in an increase in revenue as well as an increase in interest expense. Additionally, contract acquisition costs associated with our sales incentive program in future periods will be capitalized and amortized over the respective contract life and equipment revenue will be recognized at a point in time upon customer acceptance. Based on currently available information, we estimate the following opening balance sheet impact (all amounts are approximate, and they do not include any income tax effect): Effect on Accumulated Deficit as of January 1, 2018: Opening Balance Sheet Impact Dollars in millions—increase/ (decrease) Prepayments contracts $345 - $355 Multiple elements arrangements ($5 - $15 ) Contract acquisition costs ($5 - $10 ) In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Topic 825) 2016-10 2016-01 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), 2016-02 2016-02 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments 2016-13 2016-13 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) beginning-of-period end-of-period 2016-15 2016-18 2016-15 2016-15 2016-18 non-cash 2016-18 non-cash 2016-18 non-cash In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory 2016-16 2016-16 2016-16 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment 2017-04 2017-04 In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost 2017-07 ASU 2017-07 2017-07 In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting 2017-09 ASU 2017-09 2017-09 In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) 2018-02 2018-02

Significant Accounting Polici32

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Estimated Useful Lives of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	We depreciate satellites and other property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings and improvements 10 - 40 Satellites and related costs 10 - 17 Ground segment equipment and software 4 - 15 Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware 4 - 12 Leasehold improvements (1) 2 - 12 (1) Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.
Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09 [Member]
Schedule of Effect on Accumulated Deficit	Effect on Accumulated Deficit as of January 1, 2018: Opening Balance Sheet Impact Dollars in millions—increase/ (decrease) Prepayments contracts $345 - $355 Multiple elements arrangements ($5 - $15 ) Contract acquisition costs ($5 - $10 )

Net Income (Loss) per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.: (in thousands, except per share data or where otherwise noted) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Numerator: Net income (loss) $ (3,919,453 ) $ 994,112 $ (174,814 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (3,934 ) (3,915 ) (3,914 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A. (3,923,387 ) 990,197 (178,728 ) Less: Preferred Shares dividends declared (9,919 ) — — Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ (3,933,306 ) $ 990,197 $ (178,728 ) Numerator for Basic EPS—income/ (loss) available to common shareholders $ (3,933,306 ) $ 990,197 $ (178,728 ) Numerator for Diluted EPS $ (3,933,306 ) $ 990,197 $ (178,728 ) Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 107.2 114.5 118.9 Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding (in millions): Preferred shares (in millions) — 3.2 — Employee compensation related shares including options and restricted stock units (in millions) — 0.8 — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 107.2 118.5 118.9 Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (36.68 ) $ 8.65 $ (1.50 ) Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (36.68 ) $ 8.36 $ (1.50 )

Share-Based and Other Compens34

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Activity	Stock Option activity during 2017 was as follows: Number of Stock Options (in thousands) Weighted Average Weighted Average (in years) Aggregate (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 2,291 $ 3.82 Exercised (126 ) 3.77 Forfeited (35 ) 3.77 Expired (46 ) 3.80 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,084 $ 3.84 6.7 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,944 $ 3.88 6.6 $ —
Time Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Restricted Award Activity	Time-based RSUs activity during 2017 was as follows: Number of RSUs (in thousands) Weighted Average Weighted Average remaining contractual term (in years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 3,594 $ 9.52 Granted 1,412 4.36 Vested (1) (1,400 ) 9.76 Forfeited (189 ) 4.62 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 3,417 $ 7.56 1.4 $ 11.6 (1) The total vested RSUs does not include 1,025 RSUs that have vested but for which shares have not been issued.
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Restricted Award Activity	Performance-based RSUs activity during 2017 was as follows: Number of RSUs (in thousands) Weighted Average grant Weighted Average remaining (in years) Aggregate (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 1,829 $ 6.22 Granted 790 2.79 Cancelled (324 ) 21.48 Forfeited (139 ) 3.01 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,156 $ 2.89 1.4 $ 7.3
Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member]
Stock Option Activity	These options generally expire 10 years from the date of the grant. Number of Stock (in thousands) Weighted Average Weighted Average (in years) Aggregate (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 1,610 $ 11.98 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,610 $ 11.98 5.1 $ — Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,610 $ 11.98 5.1 $ —

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following tables present assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their corresponding level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands), excluding long-term debt (see Note 12—Long-Term Debt) and pension plan assets (see Note 7—Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits). No transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements occurred during the year ended December 31, 2017. Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Description As of December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Assets (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Marketable securities (1) $ 5,381 $ 5,381 $ — $ — Total assets $ 5,381 $ 5,381 $ — $ — Liabilities Put option embedded derivative (4) $ 1,496 $ — $ — $ 1,496 Total liabilities $ 1,496 $ — $ — $ 1,496 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Description As of December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Marketable securities (1) $ 5,776 $ 5,776 $ — $ — Undesignated interest rate cap (2) 22,336 — 22,336 — Warrant (3) 4,100 — — 4,100 Total assets $ 32,212 $ 5,776 $ 22,336 $ 4,100 Liabilities Put option embedded derivative (4) $ 658 $ — $ — $ 658 Total liabilities $ 658 $ — $ — $ 658 (1) The valuation measurement inputs of these marketable securities represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and, accordingly, we have classified such investments within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The cost basis of our available-for-sale (2) The valuation of our interest rate derivative instruments reflects the fair value of premiums paid, taking into account observable inputs including current interest rates, the market expectation for future interest rates volatility and current creditworthiness of the counterparties. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. (3) We valued the warrant using a valuation technique which reflects the risk free rate, time to maturity and volatility of comparable companies. We identified the inputs used to calculate the fair value as Level 3 inputs and concluded that the valuation in its entirety was classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. (4) We valued the contingent put option embedded within the 2022 ICF Notes (as defined in Note 12—Long-Term Debt), using a valuation technique which reflects the estimated date and probability of a change of control, the fair value of the 2022 ICF Notes, and a credit valuation adjustment reflecting our credit spreads. We identified the inputs used to calculate the fair value as Level 3 inputs and concluded that the valuation in its entirety was classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Retirement Plans and Other Re36

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassifications, Net of Tax	The following table presents these reclassifications, net of tax, as well as the reclassification of the realized gain on investments, and the statement of operations line items that are impacted (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) $ (141 ) $ (3 ) $ 12 Selling, general and administrative (107 ) (2 ) 9 Total $ (248 ) $ (5 ) $ 21 Amortization of actuarial loss reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) $ 3,196 $ 1,372 $ 1,269 Selling, general and administrative 2,048 851 805 Total $ 5,244 $ 2,223 $ 2,074 Realized gain on investments included in: Other expense, net $ (340 ) $ (192 ) $ (235 ) Total $ (340 ) $ (192 ) $ (235 )
Reconciliation of Funded Status and Accumulated Benefit Obligation	The following summarizes the projected benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the defined benefit retirement plan, as well as the projected benefit obligations of the postretirement medical benefits provided under our medical plan (in thousands, except percentages): Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Pension Other Post- Pension Other Post- Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 435,462 $ 90,583 $ 424,929 $ 82,897 Service cost — — — — Interest cost 16,183 3,363 14,778 2,869 Employee contributions — 422 — 416 Plan amendments — — — — Plan curtailments — — — — Benefits paid (30,454 ) (3,310 ) (24,380 ) (4,125 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 3,738 (8,161 ) 31,895 530 Benefit obligation at end of period $ 424,929 $ 82,897 $ 447,222 $ 82,587 Change in plan assets Plan assets at beginning of period $ 326,458 $ — $ 317,510 $ — Employer contributions 606 2,888 2,888 3,709 Employee contributions — 422 — 416 Actual return on plan assets 20,900 — 38,564 — Benefits paid (30,454 ) (3,310 ) (24,380 ) (4,125 ) Plan assets at fair value at end of period $ 317,510 $ — $ 334,582 $ — Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans $ (107,419 ) $ (82,897 ) $ (112,640 ) $ (82,587 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 424,929 $ 447,222 Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs Discount rate 3.82 % 4.19 % 3.67 % 3.64 % Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs Discount rate 4.53 % 4.50 % 4.23 % 4.19 % Expected rate of return on plan assets 7.80 % — 7.60 % — Rate of compensation increase — — — — Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax $ 2,228 $ (5 ) $ 2,363 $ (289 ) Prior service credits, net of tax (8 ) 3 (8 ) 29 Total $ 2,220 $ (2 ) $ 2,355 $ (260 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax $ 87,981 $ (9,468 ) $ 99,152 $ (8,815 ) Prior service credits, net of tax (343 ) — (366 ) — Total $ 87,638 $ (9,468 ) $ 98,786 $ (8,815 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year Actuarial (gain) loss $ (3,751 ) $ — $ (5,307 ) $ 403 Prior service credits — 8 — 8 Total $ (3,751 ) $ 8 $ (5,307 ) $ 411
Benefits Expected to be Paid Next Five Years	The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Pension Benefits Other Post- 2018 $ 37,063 $ 4,091 2019 28,918 4,358 2020 27,864 4,582 2021 27,615 4,788 2022 27,447 4,972 2023 to 2027 131,974 26,121 Total $ 280,881 $ 48,912
Target and Actual Asset Allocation [Member]
Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	The target and actual asset allocation of our pension plan assets were as follows: As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Target Actual Target Actual Asset Category Equity securities 49 % 47 % 49 % 50 % Debt securities 36 % 34 % 36 % 35 % Other securities 15 % 19 % 15 % 15 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets [Member]
Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	The fair values of our pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Category Equity Securities U.S. Large-Cap (1) $ 78,076 $ 78,076 $ — $ — U.S. Small/Mid-Cap (2) 19,952 19,952 — — World Equity Ex-US (3) 67,835 67,835 — — Fixed Income Securities Short Duration Bonds (4) 98,421 98,421 — — High Yield Bonds (5) 9,419 9,419 — — Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) (6) 9,127 9,127 — — Other Securities $ 282,830 $ — $ — Hedge Funds (7) 17,121 Core Property Fund (8) 34,486 Income earned but not yet received 145 Total $ 334,582 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Category Equity Securities U.S. Large-Cap (1) $ 80,698 $ 80,698 $ — $ — U.S. Small/Mid-Cap (2) 22,184 22,184 — — World Equity Ex-US (3) 46,999 46,999 — — Fixed Income Securities Short Duration Bonds (4) 90,099 90,099 — — High Yield Bonds (5) 14,125 14,125 — — Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) (6) 4,100 4,100 — — Other Securities $ 258,205 $ — $ — Hedge Funds (7) 15,880 Core Property Fund (8) 43,266 Income earned but not yet received 159 Total $ 317,510 (1) US large cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the S&P 500 Index, as well as other equity securities and derivative instruments whose value is derived from the performance of the S&P 500. (2) US small/mid cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the Russell 2500 Index. (3) World equity ex-US (4) Short duration bond fund includes the Opportunistic Income fund and the Limited Duration Bond Fund. The Opportunistic Income fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade and non-investment (5) High yield bond fund seeks to maximize return by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of higher yielding, lower rated fixed income securities. The fund will invest primarily in securities rated below investment grade, including corporate bonds, convertible and preferred securities and zero coupon obligations. (6) Emerging markets debt fund seeks to maximize return investing in fixed income securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund will invest primarily in U.S. dollar denominated debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of such issuers. (7) Hedge fund seeks to provide returns that are different from (less correlated with) investments in more traditional asset classes. The fund will pursue its investment objective by investing substantially all of its assets in various hedge funds. The fund has semi-annual redemptions in June and December with a 95 day pre-notification lock-up (8) Core property fund is a fund of funds that invests in direct commercial property funds primarily in the U.S. The fund is meant to provide current income-oriented returns, diversification, and modest inflation protection to an overall investment portfolio. Total returns are expected to be somewhere between stocks and bonds, with moderate volatility and low correlation to public markets. The fund has quarterly redemptions with a 95 day pre-notification lock-up
Defined Pension Benefit Plans [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Net periodic pension benefit costs included the following components (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Service cost $ 780 $ — $ — Interest cost 18,734 16,183 14,778 Expected return on plan assets (25,926 ) (25,535 ) (24,410 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits (43 ) — — Amortization of unrecognized net loss 7,911 3,370 3,751 Curtailment gain (564 ) — — Special termination benefit recognized — — — Total benefit $ 892 $ (5,982 ) $ (5,881 )
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Net periodic other postretirement benefit costs included the following components (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Service cost $ 70 $ — $ — Interest cost 4,592 3,363 2,869 Amortization of prior service cost — — (8 ) Amortization of unrecognized net (gain) loss 596 (8 ) (455 ) Total costs $ 5,258 $ 3,355 $ 2,406

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Receivables	Receivables were comprised of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Service charges: Billed $ 246,833 $ 234,724 Unbilled 8,872 11,025 Other 2,075 5,143 Allowance for doubtful accounts (54,744 ) (29,669 ) Total $ 203,036 $ 221,223

Satellites and Other Property38

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment, Net	Satellites and other property and equipment, net were comprised of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Satellites and launch vehicles $ 10,363,771 $ 10,653,213 Information systems and ground segment 727,929 808,203 Buildings and other 250,369 264,417 Total cost 11,342,069 11,725,833 Less: accumulated depreciation (5,156,227 ) (5,802,214 ) Total $ 6,185,842 $ 5,923,619

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Changes in Equity Attributable to Intelsat and Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	The following tables present changes in equity attributable to the Company and equity attributable to our noncontrolling interests, which is included in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet (in thousands): Intelsat S.A. Noncontrolling Total Shareholders’ Balance at January 1, 2016 $ (4,649,565 ) $ 29,212 $ (4,620,353 ) Net income 990,197 3,915 994,112 Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests — (8,980 ) (8,980 ) Share-based compensation 23,089 — 23,089 Postretirement/pension liability adjustment 2,041 — 2,041 Other comprehensive income 93 — 93 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (3,634,145 ) $ 24,147 $ (3,609,998 ) Intelsat S.A. Noncontrolling Total Shareholders’ Balance at January 1, 2017 $ (3,634,145 ) $ 24,147 $ (3,609,998 ) Net income (loss) (178,728 ) 3,914 (174,814 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests — (8,755 ) (8,755 ) Share-based compensation 16,472 — 16,472 Postretirement/pension liability adjustment (11,801 ) — (11,801 ) Other comprehensive income 332 — 332 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (3,807,870 ) $ 19,306 $ (3,788,564 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization	The carrying amounts of goodwill and acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands): As of As of Goodwill (1) $ 2,620,627 $ 2,620,627 Orbital locations 2,387,700 2,387,700 Trade name 65,200 65,200 (1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $4,160,200.
Schedule of Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Backlog and other $ 743,760 $ (669,045 ) $ 74,715 $ 743,760 $ (686,425 ) $ 57,335 Customer relationships 534,030 (216,907 ) 317,123 534,030 (241,781 ) 292,249 Total $ 1,277,790 $ (885,952 ) $ 391,838 $ 1,277,790 $ (928,206 ) $ 349,584
Scheduled Amortization Charges for Intangible Assets	Scheduled amortization charges for the intangible assets over the next five years are as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2018 $ 38,481 2019 34,351 2020 31,103 2021 28,635 2022 25,479

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	The carrying values and fair values of our notes payable and long-term debt were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Intelsat Luxembourg: 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 $ 500,000 $ 410,000 $ 96,650 $ 94,717 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 6.75% Senior Notes (5,746 ) — (78 ) — 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 2,000,000 640,000 2,000,000 1,070,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.75% Senior Notes (16,588 ) — (13,325 ) — 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 1,000,000 295,000 1,000,000 515,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes (9,764 ) — (8,562 ) — 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 — — 403,350 265,052 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — (209,165 ) — Total Intelsat Luxembourg obligations 3,467,902 1,345,000 3,268,870 1,944,769 Intelsat Connect Finance: 12.5% Senior Notes due April 2022 $ 731,884 $ 475,725 $ 731,892 $ 640,406 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes (297,257 ) — (267,108 ) — Total Intelsat Connect Finance obligations 434,627 475,725 464,784 640,406 Intelsat Jackson: 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 $ 490,000 $ 543,900 $ 490,000 $ 565,950 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (20,243 ) — (17,556 ) — 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024 1,349,678 1,383,420 1,349,678 1,423,910 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 8.0% Senior Secured Notes (6,005 ) — (5,378 ) — 7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 2,200,000 1,716,000 2,200,000 2,068,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 7.25% Senior Notes (6,756 ) — (5,151 ) — 7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 1,500,000 1,260,000 — — Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.25% Senior Notes (5,886 ) — — — 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 1,150,000 879,750 1,150,000 1,040,750 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.5% Senior Notes (6,828 ) — (5,415 ) — 5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 2,000,000 1,340,000 2,000,000 1,630,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 5.5% Senior Notes (14,900 ) — (12,977 ) — 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 — — 1,500,000 1,455,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 9.75% Senior Notes — — (20,315 ) — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due June 2019 3,095,000 3,013,756 1,095,000 1,093,631 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (21,682 ) — (4,636 ) — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due November 2023 — — 2,000,000 1,947,500 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities — — (28,600 ) — Total Intelsat Jackson obligations 11,702,378 10,136,826 11,684,650 11,224,741 Eliminations: 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance $ (402,570 ) $ (330,107 ) $ — $ — Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 6.75% Senior Notes 5,490 — — — 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance (979,168 ) (313,334 ) (979,168 ) (523,855 ) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.75% Senior Notes 8,121 — 6,524 — 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance (111,663 ) (32,941 ) (111,663 ) (57,506 ) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes 1,090 — 956 — Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes 71,877 — 67,525 — 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance — — (402,595 ) (264,556 ) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — 208,775 — Total eliminations: (1,406,823 ) (676,382 ) (1,209,646 ) (845,917 ) Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt $ 14,198,084 $ 11,281,169 $ 14,208,658 $ 12,963,999 Less: Current portion of long-term debt — 96,572 Total long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 14,198,084 $ 14,112,086
Schedule of Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt	Required principal repayments of long-term debt over the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2018 $ 96,650 2019 1,095,000 2020 2,200,000 2021 2,170,832 2022 1,221,892 2023 and thereafter 7,738,770 Total principal repayments 14,523,144 Unamortized discounts, premium and prepaid issuance costs (314,486 ) Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt $ 14,208,658

Derivative Instruments and He42

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Derivatives by Category	The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives by category (in thousands): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheets December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 Undesignated interest rate cap Other assets $ — $ 22,336 Preferred stock warrant Other assets — 4,100 Put option embedded derivative Other long-term liabilities 1,496 658 Total derivatives $ 1,496 $ 27,094
Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments, Included in Interest Expense, Net in Consolidated Statements of Operations	The following table sets forth the effect of the derivative instruments, included in interest expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Derivatives not designated as hedging Presentation in Statements of Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Undesignated interest rate cap Included in interest expense, net $ — $ — $ 1,006 Undesignated interest rate swaps Included in interest expense, net 3,483 — — Put option embedded derivative Included in other expense, net — — 732 Preferred stock warrant Included in other expense, net — — — Total loss on derivative financial instruments $ 3,483 $ — $ 1,738

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Total Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	The following table summarizes our total income (loss) before income taxes (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Domestic income (loss) before income taxes $ (3,966,322 ) $ 938,156 $ (18,149 ) Foreign income before income taxes 48,382 71,942 (85,535 ) Total income (loss) before income taxes $ (3,917,940 ) $ 1,010,098 $ (103,684 )
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Current income tax provision Domestic $ — $ (35 ) $ (125 ) Foreign 10,817 25,721 27,309 Total 10,817 25,686 27,184 Deferred income tax benefit: Domestic $ — $ (80 ) $ 72 Foreign (9,304 ) (9,620 ) 43,874 Total (9,304 ) (9,700 ) 43,946 Total income tax provision (benefit): $ 1,513 $ 15,986 $ 71,130
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	The income tax provision (benefit) was different from the amount computed using the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 27.08% for the reasons set forth in the following table (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Expected tax provision (benefit) at Luxembourg statutory income tax rate $ (1,144,822 ) $ 295,150 $ (28,078 ) Foreign income tax differential 42,339 51,787 66,242 Nontaxable interest income (67,651 ) — — Lux Financing Activities 40,169 (8,279 ) 30,232 Tax deductible impairment charges in Luxembourg subsidiaries (854,393 ) (1,280,759 ) — Change in tax rate — 416,156 (28,250 ) Goodwill impairment 599,974 — — Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (15,465 ) (1,629 ) (79 ) Changes in valuation allowance 1,463,774 554,479 40,853 Tax effect of 2011 Intercompany Sale (6,112 ) (6,701 ) (6,073 ) Foreign tax credits (2,171 ) (5,480 ) (3,107 ) Research and development tax credits (2,103 ) (3,275 ) (2,786 ) Other (52,026 ) 4,537 2,176 Total income tax provision (benefit) $ 1,513 $ 15,986 $ 71,130
Net Deferred Tax Balances	The following table details the composition of the net deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Long-term deferred taxes, net $ (168,445 ) $ (48,434 ) Other assets 15,181 14,583 Net deferred taxes $ (153,264 ) $ (33,851 )
Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability	The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Deferred tax assets: Accruals and advances $ 31,015 $ 17,169 Amortizable intangible assets 17,549 13,421 Non-Amortizable 76,774 147,332 Performance incentives 14,599 7,289 Customer deposits 20,664 16,064 Bad debt reserve 8,659 2,033 Accrued retirement benefits 67,998 43,592 Disallowed interest expense carryforward 109,575 75,546 Net operating loss carryforward 3,937,736 3,840,759 Tax credits 17,562 11,335 Other 16,491 8,418 Total deferred tax assets 4,318,622 4,182,958 Deferred tax liabilities: Satellites and other property and equipment (186,390 ) (266,330 ) Amortizable intangible assets (379,653 ) (366,777 ) Non-amortizable (186,618 ) (103,730 ) Tax basis differences in investments and affiliates (231,210 ) (6,753 ) Other (72,524 ) (16,875 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (1,056,395 ) (760,465 ) Valuation allowance (3,415,491 ) (3,456,344 ) Total net deferred tax liabilities $ (153,264 ) $ (33,851 )
Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands): 2016 2017 Balance at January 1 $ 40,248 $ 36,167 Increases related to current year tax positions 2,301 2,193 Increases related to prior year tax positions 1,530 304 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (878 ) (3 ) Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes (7,034 ) (7,281 ) Balance at December 31 $ 36,167 $ 31,380

Contractual Commitments (Tables

Contractual Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Additional Expenditures and Expected Year of Payment	The additional expenditures as of December 31, 2017 and the expected year of payment are as follows (in thousands): Satellite Satellite Horizons-3 (1) Operating Sublease Rental Income Customer and Total 2018 $ 324,403 $ 42,987 $ 41,500 $ 14,338 $ (665 ) $ 97,647 $ 520,210 2019 268,098 42,244 4,600 13,889 (617 ) 17,763 345,977 2020 149,047 43,023 11,900 13,500 (526 ) 7,546 224,490 2021 18,738 42,226 13,500 13,376 (312 ) 2,136 89,664 2022 17,121 31,898 15,900 13,424 (143 ) 894 79,094 2023 and thereafter 51,197 158,189 59,700 93,501 (161 ) 406 362,832 Total contractual commitments $ 828,604 $ 360,567 $ 147,100 $ 162,028 $ (2,424 ) $ 126,392 $ 1,622,267 (1) See Note 10(b)—Investments—Horizons-3

Business and Geographic Segme45

Business and Geographic Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Geographic Distribution of Revenue	The geographic distribution of our revenue based upon billing region of the customer was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 North America 47 % 49 % 50 % Europe 15 % 14 % 13 % Latin America and Caribbean 15 % 15 % 14 % Africa and Middle East 14 % 13 % 14 % Asia-Pacific 9 % 9 % 9 %
Schedule of Off-Network and On-Network Revenues	Our revenues were derived from the following services, with Off-Network On-Network Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 On-Network Transponder services $ 1,705,568 73 % $ 1,561,108 71 % $ 1,543,384 72 % Managed services 405,330 17 % 414,758 19 % 412,147 19 % Channel 38,872 2 % 9,134 0 % 5,405 0 % Total on-network 2,149,770 91 % 1,985,000 91 % 1,960,936 91 % Off-Network Transponder, MSS and other off-network 160,063 7 % 157,212 7 % 141,845 7 % Satellite-related services 42,688 2 % 45,835 2 % 45,831 2 % Total off-network 202,751 9 % 203,047 9 % 187,676 9 % Total $ 2,352,521 100 % $ 2,188,047 100 % $ 2,148,612 100 %

Quarterly Results of Operatio46

Quarterly Results of Operations (in thousands, unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations	Quarter Ended 2016 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Revenue (1) $ 552,643 $ 541,983 $ 542,727 $ 550,694 Income from operations (1) 239,173 227,324 220,410 233,705 Net income 16,292 117,412 (3) 196,605 (3) 663,803 (3) Net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. 15,326 116,429 (3) 195,622 (3) 662,820 (3) Net income attributable to common shareholders 15,326 116,429 (3) 195,622 (3) 662,820 (3) Net income per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.: Basic (2) $ 0.14 $ 1.02 $ 1.66 $ 5.62 Diluted (2) 0.13 0.98 1.65 5.56 Quarter Ended 2017 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Revenue (1) $ 538,484 $ 533,229 $ 538,759 $ 538,140 Income from operations (1) 217,596 229,113 234,033 233,815 Net loss (33,642 ) (4) (22,800 ) (29,416 ) (4) (88,956 ) Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A. (34,570 ) (4) (23,795 ) (30,412 ) (4) (89,951 ) Net loss attributable to common shareholders (34,570 ) (4) (23,795 ) (30,412 ) (4) (89,951 ) Net loss per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.: Basic (2) $ (0.29 ) $ (0.20 ) $ (0.26 ) $ (0.75 ) Diluted (2) (0.29 ) (0.20 ) (0.26 ) (0.75 ) (1) Our quarterly revenue and operating income (loss) are generally not impacted by seasonality, as customer contracts for satellite utilization are generally long-term. Revenue declines shown above were primarily due to declines from our network services customers, mainly due to reduced volumes resulting from non-renewals point-to-point non-renewals point-to-point (2) Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted per share information may not equal annual basic and diluted earnings per share. (3) The quarter ended June 30, 2016 includes a $131.4 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the May 2016 Intelsat Jackson Notes Repurchase. The quarter ended September 30, 2016 includes a $219.6 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the September 2016 Intelsat Jackson Debt Exchange and Consent Solicitation. The quarter ended December 31, 2016 includes a $679.1 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the December 2016 ICF Exchange Offers. (4) The quarter ended March 31, 2017 includes a $0.5 million gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the Second 2018 Luxembourg Exchange described above. The quarter ended September 30, 2017 includes a $4.6 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the July 2017 Intelsat Jackson Senior Notes Refinancing described above.

Supplemental Consolidating Fi47

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 (in thousands) Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Subsidiary Non -Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,010 $ 48,174 $ 67,822 $ 334,036 $ 256,619 $ 74,173 $ (256,619 ) $ 525,215 Restricted cash — — — 15,754 1,908 422 (1,908 ) 16,176 Receivables, net of allowance 4 59 — 162,474 162,072 58,686 (162,072 ) 221,223 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,102 — — 47,956 47,891 10,404 (50,491 ) 56,862 Intercompany receivables — 132,612 13,571 461,284 — — (607,467 ) — Total current assets 2,116 180,845 81,393 1,021,504 468,490 143,685 (1,078,557 ) 819,476 Satellites and other property and equipment, net — — — 5,837,190 5,837,190 86,429 (5,837,190 ) 5,923,619 Goodwill — — — 2,620,627 2,620,627 — (2,620,627 ) 2,620,627 Non-amortizable — — — 2,452,900 2,452,900 — (2,452,900 ) 2,452,900 Amortizable intangible assets, net — — — 349,584 349,584 — (349,584 ) 349,584 Investment in affiliates (3,252,586 ) (501,466 ) (970,929 ) 194,264 194,264 — 4,336,453 — Other assets 90 348 859,513 342,205 319,869 101,188 (1,179,383 ) 443,830 Total assets $ (3,250,380 ) $ (320,273 ) $ (30,023 ) $ 12,818,274 $ 12,242,924 $ 331,302 $ (9,181,788 ) $ 12,610,036 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 25,276 $ 413 $ 1,878 $ 111,121 $ 110,446 $ 21,644 $ (113,047 ) $ 157,731 Accrued interest payable — 13,163 4,066 245,978 5,956 — (5,956 ) 263,207 Current portion of long-term debt — 96,572 — — — — — 96,572 Deferred satellite performance incentives — — — 25,780 25,780 — (25,780 ) 25,780 Other current liabilities — — — 193,221 193,221 3,815 (193,221 ) 197,036 Intercompany payables 512,908 — — — 1,290,806 94,559 (1,898,273 ) — Total current liabilities 538,184 110,148 5,944 576,100 1,626,209 120,018 (2,236,277 ) 740,326 Long-term debt, net of current portion — 3,172,298 464,784 11,684,650 — — (1,209,646 ) 14,112,086 Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion — — — 215,352 215,352 — (215,352 ) 215,352 Deferred revenue, net of current portion — — — 794,542 794,542 165 (794,542 ) 794,707 Deferred income taxes — — — 37,890 37,890 10,544 (37,890 ) 48,434 Accrued retirement benefits — — — 190,857 190,857 222 (190,857 ) 191,079 Other long-term liabilities — 784 716 289,812 289,812 6,088 (290,596 ) 296,616 — Shareholders’ equity (deficit): — Common shares 1,196 7,202 — 200 7,346,327 24 (7,353,753 ) 1,196 Other shareholders’ equity (deficit) (3,789,760 ) (3,610,705 ) (501,467 ) (971,129 ) 1,741,935 194,241 3,147,125 (3,789,760 ) Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ (3,250,380 ) $ (320,273 ) $ (30,023 ) $ 12,818,274 $ 12,242,924 $ 331,302 $ (9,181,788 ) $ 12,610,036 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. and Intelsat Intelsat Connect Intelsat Jackson Jackson Subsidiary Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation and Consolidated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 552 $ 59,752 $ 29,985 $ 495,225 $ 414,339 $ 80,510 $ (414,339 ) $ 666,024 Receivables, net of allowance 2 — — 151,345 151,322 51,689 (151,322 ) 203,036 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 882 3 — 48,320 48,263 6,703 (48,263 ) 55,908 Intercompany receivables — — 8,867 557,959 — 302,118 (868,944 ) — Total current assets 1,436 59,755 38,852 1,252,849 613,924 441,020 (1,482,868 ) 924,968 Satellites and other property and equipment, net — — — 6,096,459 6,096,459 89,383 (6,096,459 ) 6,185,842 Goodwill — — — 2,620,627 2,620,627 — (2,620,627 ) 2,620,627 Non-amortizable — — — 2,452,900 2,452,900 — (2,452,900 ) 2,452,900 Amortizable intangible assets, net — — — 391,838 391,838 — (391,838 ) 391,838 Investment in affiliates (3,086,095 ) (23,113 ) (651,909 ) 184,804 184,804 — 3,391,509 — Other assets 169 — 681,910 303,623 303,623 62,123 (985,614 ) 365,834 Total assets $ (3,084,490 ) $ 36,642 $ 68,853 $ 13,303,100 $ 12,664,175 $ 592,526 $ (10,638,797 ) $ 12,942,009 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 23,153 $ — $ 10,830 $ 221,564 $ 218,897 $ 27,351 $ (218,897 ) $ 282,898 Accrued interest payable — 13,158 2,287 189,395 3,146 — (3,146 ) 204,840 Deferred satellite performance incentives — — — 23,455 23,455 — (23,455 ) 23,455 Other current liabilities — — — 219,389 219,389 3,081 (219,389 ) 222,470 Intercompany payables 502,355 366,589 — — 2,183,616 — (3,052,560 ) — Total current liabilities 525,508 379,747 13,117 653,803 2,648,503 30,432 (3,517,447 ) 733,663 Long-term debt, net of current portion — 3,467,902 434,627 11,702,378 — — (1,406,823 ) 14,198,084 Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion — — — 210,706 210,706 — (210,706 ) 210,706 Deferred revenue, net of current portion — — — 906,521 906,521 223 (906,521 ) 906,744 Deferred income taxes — — — 156,081 156,081 12,444 (156,161 ) 168,445 Accrued retirement benefits — — — 186,086 186,086 198 (186,086 ) 186,284 Other long-term liabilities — — 1,554 139,434 139,434 7,093 (139,434 ) 148,081 Shareholders’ equity (deficit): Common shares 1,180 7,202 — 200 5,558,066 24 (5,565,492 ) 1,180 Other shareholders’ equity (deficit) (3,611,178 ) (3,818,209 ) (380,445 ) (652,109 ) 2,858,778 542,112 1,449,873 (3,611,178 ) Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ (3,084,490 ) $ 36,642 $ 68,853 $ 13,303,100 $ 12,664,175 $ 592,526 $ (10,638,797 ) $ 12,942,009
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Revenue $ 22,505 $ — $ — $ 2,003,186 $ 2,003,201 $ 511,940 $ (2,392,220 ) $ 2,148,612 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) — — — 276,673 276,673 434,491 (665,621 ) 322,216 Selling, general and administrative 19,465 592 1,717 122,630 115,619 57,673 (113,681 ) 204,015 Depreciation and amortization — — — 689,244 689,244 18,580 (689,244 ) 707,824 Total operating expenses 19,465 592 1,717 1,088,547 1,081,536 510,744 (1,468,546 ) 1,234,055 Income (loss) from operations 3,040 (592 ) (1,717 ) 914,639 921,665 1,196 (923,674 ) 914,557 Interest expense (income), net 15,977 359,211 (14,116 ) 727,540 176,767 (53,617 ) (190,992 ) 1,020,770 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — 209,771 6 (4,612 ) — — (209,274 ) (4,109 ) Subsidiary income (165,800 ) 181,291 114,318 (2,704 ) (2,704 ) — (124,401 ) — Other income (expense), net (44 ) (786 ) 728 7,088 7,035 (1,133 ) (6,250 ) 6,638 Income before income taxes (178,781 ) 30,473 127,451 186,871 749,229 53,680 (1,072,607 ) (103,684 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (53 ) — — 72,553 72,553 (1,370 ) (72,553 ) 71,130 Net income (178,728 ) 30,473 127,451 114,318 676,676 55,050 (1,000,054 ) (174,814 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (3,914 ) — (3,914 ) Net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (178,728 ) $ 30,473 $ 127,451 $ 114,318 $ 676,676 $ 51,136 $ (1,000,054 ) $ (178,728 ) (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Revenue $ 2,952 $ — $ — $ 1,999,114 $ 1,999,129 $ 562,372 $ (2,375,520 ) $ 2,188,047 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) — — — 264,587 264,587 452,899 (640,926 ) 341,147 Selling, general and administrative 7,884 168 61 140,952 137,488 79,083 (134,239 ) 231,397 Depreciation and amortization — — — 676,542 676,542 18,349 (676,542 ) 694,891 Total operating expenses 7,884 168 61 1,082,081 1,078,617 550,331 (1,451,707 ) 1,267,435 Income (loss) from operations (4,932 ) (168 ) (61 ) 917,033 920,512 12,041 (923,813 ) 920,612 Interest expense (income), net 13,596 272,791 8 661,671 183,931 (9,505 ) (183,991 ) 938,501 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — — — 350,962 — — 679,130 1,030,092 Subsidiary income 1,008,614 605,685 597,995 9,869 9,869 — (2,232,032 ) — Other income (expense), net (4 ) — — (5,909 ) 1,812 3,808 (1,812 ) (2,105 ) Income before income taxes 990,082 332,726 597,926 610,284 748,262 25,354 (2,294,536 ) 1,010,098 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (115 ) — — 12,290 12,290 3,811 (12,290 ) 15,986 Net income 990,197 332,726 597,926 597,994 735,972 21,543 (2,282,246 ) 994,112 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (3,915 ) — (3,915 ) Net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ 990,197 $ 332,726 $ 597,926 $ 597,994 $ 735,972 $ 17,628 $ (2,282,246 ) $ 990,197 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Revenue $ — $ — $ 2,160,235 $ 2,160,251 $ 554,831 $ (2,522,796 ) $ 2,352,521 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) — — 241,603 241,603 449,274 (603,979 ) 328,501 Selling, general and administrative 7,912 193 126,331 125,494 65,143 (125,661 ) 199,412 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles — — 4,165,400 4,165,400 — (4,165,400 ) 4,165,400 Depreciation and amortization — — 654,784 654,784 32,945 (654,784 ) 687,729 Total operating expenses 7,912 193 5,188,118 5,187,281 547,362 (5,549,824 ) 5,381,042 Income (loss) from operations (7,912 ) (193 ) (3,027,883 ) (3,027,030 ) 7,469 3,027,028 (3,028,521 ) Interest expense (income), net 10,723 274,451 613,162 36,059 (8,057 ) (36,059 ) 890,279 Gain on early extinguishment of debt — 7,061 — — — — 7,061 Subsidiary income (loss) (3,904,747 ) (3,614,952 ) 11,983 11,983 — 7,495,733 — Other income (expense), net — — 4,367 (5,136 ) (10,568 ) 5,136 (6,201 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (3,923,382 ) (3,882,535 ) (3,624,695 ) (3,056,242 ) 4,958 10,563,956 (3,917,940 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 3 — (1,871 ) (1,885 ) 3,381 1,885 1,513 Net income (loss) (3,923,385 ) (3,882,535 ) (3,622,824 ) (3,054,357 ) 1,577 10,562,071 (3,919,453 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — (3,934 ) — (3,934 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A. (3,923,385 ) (3,882,535 ) (3,622,824 ) (3,054,357 ) (2,357 ) 10,562,071 (3,923,387 ) Cumulative preferred dividends (9,919 ) — — — — — (9,919 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ (3,933,304 ) $ (3,882,535 ) $ (3,622,824 ) $ (3,054,357 ) $ (2,357 ) $ 10,562,071 $ (3,933,306 )
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 (in thousands) Intelsat Intelsat Luxembourg Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: $ 27 $ (288,884 ) $ 30,297 $ 699,755 $ 778,307 $ 25,037 $ (780,309 ) $ 464,230 Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest) — — — (445,842 ) (445,842 ) (15,785 ) 445,842 (461,627 ) Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans — — — (603 ) (603 ) — 1,206 — Investment in subsidiaries — (7,144 ) — (37,986 ) (31,486 ) — 76,616 — Dividend from affiliates — 286,454 286,454 13,755 13,755 — (600,418 ) — Purchase of cost method investments — — — (25,744 ) (25,744 ) — 25,744 (25,744 ) Capital contributions to unconsolidated affiliate — — — — — (30,714 ) — (30,714 ) Proceeds from insurance settlements — — — 49,788 49,788 — (49,788 ) 49,788 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — 279,310 286,454 (446,632 ) (440,132 ) (46,499 ) (100,798 ) (468,297 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — — — 1,500,000 — — — 1,500,000 Repayments of long-term debt — — — (1,500,000 ) — — — (1,500,000 ) Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany loans — — — — — 603 (603 ) — Debt issuance costs — (2,002 ) — (41,237 ) — — 2,002 (41,237 ) Payments on debt exchange — — (14 ) — — — — (14 ) Dividends paid to preferred shareholders — — — — (8,724 ) — 8,724 — Other payments for satellites — — — (35,396 ) (35,396 ) — 35,396 (35,396 ) Capital contribution from parent — — 7,144 — 63,023 37,986 (108,153 ) — Dividends to shareholders — — (286,454 ) (286,454 ) (477,425 ) (13,755 ) 1,064,088 — Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives — — — (37,186 ) (37,186 ) — 37,186 (37,186 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (8,755 ) — (8,755 ) Restricted cash for collateral — — — (15,747 ) (1,901 ) (413 ) 1,901 (16,160 ) Other financing activities 476 — 414 — — — — 890 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 476 (2,002 ) (278,910 ) (416,020 ) (497,609 ) 15,666 1,040,541 (137,858 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (45 ) (2 ) (4 ) 1,708 1,714 (541 ) (1,714 ) 1,116 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 458 (11,578 ) 37,837 (161,189 ) (157,720 ) (6,337 ) 157,720 (140,809 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 552 59,752 29,985 495,225 414,339 80,510 (414,339 ) 666,024 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,010 $ 48,174 $ 67,822 $ 334,036 $ 256,619 $ 74,173 $ (256,619 ) $ 525,215 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Luxembourg Intelsat Intelsat Jackson Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: $ (10,234 ) $ 89,342 $ 4,764 $ 917,923 $ 1,506,746 $ (314,986 ) $ (1,510,049 ) $ 683,506 Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest) — — — (699,213 ) (699,213 ) (15,357 ) 699,213 (714,570 ) Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans 4,895 — — — — 359,237 (364,132 ) — Investment in subsidiaries (6,087 ) (300,050 ) — (30,655 ) (10,955 ) — 347,747 — Dividend from affiliates — 269,700 — 8,980 8,980 — (287,660 ) — Purchase of cost method investment — — — (4,000 ) (4,000 ) — 4,000 (4,000 ) Capital contributions to unconsolidated affiliate — — — — — (10,340 ) — (10,340 ) Other investing activities — — — — — (1,679 ) — (1,679 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,192 ) (30,350 ) — (724,888 ) (705,188 ) 331,861 399,168 (730,589 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — — — 1,250,000 — — — 1,250,000 Repayments of long-term debt — — — (328,944 ) — — — (328,944 ) Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany loans — — — (364,132 ) (12,438 ) — 376,570 — Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt — — — (32 ) — — — (32 ) Debt issuance costs — — (15,562 ) (26,133 ) — — 3,302 (38,393 ) Payments on tender, debt exchange and consent transaction — — (259,267 ) (34,009 ) — — — (293,276 ) Dividends paid to preferred shareholders (4,959 ) — — — — — — (4,959 ) Other payments for satellites — — — (18,333 ) (18,333 ) — 18,333 (18,333 ) Capital contribution from parent — — 300,050 — 96,658 36,742 (433,450 ) — Dividends to shareholders — — — (269,700 ) (524,327 ) (8,980 ) 803,007 — Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives — — — (17,429 ) (17,429 ) — 17,429 (17,429 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest — — — — — (8,980 ) — (8,980 ) Other financing activities — — — 1,942 — — — 1,942 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (4,959 ) — 25,221 193,230 (475,869 ) 18,782 785,191 541,596 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (4 ) — — (999 ) (991 ) 972 992 (30 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (16,389 ) 58,992 29,985 385,266 324,698 36,629 (324,698 ) 494,483 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 16,941 760 — 109,959 89,641 43,881 (89,641 ) 171,541 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 552 $ 59,752 $ 29,985 $ 495,225 $ 414,339 $ 80,510 $ (414,339 ) $ 666,024 (Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding) INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (in thousands) Intelsat S.A. Intelsat Luxembourg Intelsat Jackson Jackson Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidation Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: $ 724 $ (251,879 ) $ 1,138,747 $ 1,629,412 $ 22,438 $ (1,629,411 ) $ 910,031 Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest) — — (720,273 ) (720,273 ) (4,089 ) 720,273 (724,362 ) Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans 9,538 — 2,064 2,064 (346,799 ) 333,133 — Investment in subsidiaries (7,355 ) (610,000 ) (198 ) (40,444 ) — 657,997 — Dividend from affiliates 19,000 898,400 28,423 28,423 — (974,246 ) — Purchase of cost method investment — — (25,000 ) (25,000 ) — 25,000 (25,000 ) Other investing activities — — 432 432 (424 ) (432 ) 8 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 21,183 288,400 (714,552 ) (754,798 ) (351,312 ) 761,725 (749,354 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of long-term debt — (17,829 ) (479,000 ) — — — (496,829 ) Proceeds from drawdown of long-term debt — — 430,000 — — — 430,000 Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing (1,430 ) — 337,261 — (634 ) (335,197 ) — Dividends paid to preferred shareholders (9,919 ) — — — — — (9,919 ) Capital contribution from parent — — 250,000 86,316 367,553 (703,869 ) — Dividends to shareholders — (19,000 ) (898,400 ) (916,697 ) (28,423 ) 1,862,520 — Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives — — (18,405 ) (18,405 ) (1,163 ) 18,405 (19,568 ) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest — — — — (8,423 ) — (8,423 ) Other financing activities 154 — 1,600 1,600 — (1,601 ) 1,753 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (11,195 ) (36,829 ) (376,944 ) (847,186 ) 328,910 840,258 (102,986 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (925 ) (931 ) (8,372 ) 931 (9,297 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 10,712 (308 ) 46,326 26,497 (8,336 ) (26,497 ) 48,394 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 6,229 1,068 63,633 63,144 52,217 (63,144 ) 123,147 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 16,941 $ 760 $ 109,959 $ 89,641 $ 43,881 $ (89,641 ) $ 171,541

Background of Company - Additio

Background of Company - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017Satellite
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of satellites under global communications network	50

Significant Accounting Polici49

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Reclassification from debt financing and restricted cash received to proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		$ 480.2
Other Assets [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cost method investments	$ 54.7	$ 29
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Elimination of restricted cash for collateral	$ 16.2
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interest percentage	20.00%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Expected benefit to accumulated deficit based on adoption of ASU 2016-16			$ 170
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interest percentage	50.00%

Significant Accounting Polici50

Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Satellites and Related Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Ground Segment Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	4 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures and Computer Hardware [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	4 years
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	2 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Satellites and Related Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	17 years
Maximum [Member] | Ground Segment Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures and Computer Hardware [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of assets	12 years

Significant Accounting Polici51

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Effect on Accumulated Deficit (Detail) - Scenario, Forecast [Member] - Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09 [Member] - Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)
Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Contract acquisition costs	$ (5,000,000)
Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Contract acquisition costs	(10,000,000)
Prepayment Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Prepayment contracts and multiple element arrangements	345,000,000
Prepayment Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Prepayment contracts and multiple element arrangements	355,000,000
Multiple Element Arrangements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Prepayment contracts and multiple element arrangements	(5,000,000)
Multiple Element Arrangements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Prepayment contracts and multiple element arrangements	$ (15,000,000)

Share Capital - Additional Info

Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	May 02, 2016	May 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Authorized share capital			$ 10
Common Shares , authorized			1,000,000,000
Common shares, par value			$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Shares , issued			119,600,000
Common Shares, outstanding			119,600,000
Common Stock [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Stock conversion value	$ 9.6
Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred stock conversion to common ratio		2.7778
Number of trading days, conversion price of common share		40 days
Percentage of preferred stock dividend		5.75%

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - C

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ (88,956)	$ (29,416)	$ (22,800)	$ (33,642)	$ 663,803	$ 196,605	$ 117,412	$ 16,292	$ (174,814)	$ 994,112	$ (3,919,453)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(3,914)	(3,915)	(3,934)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	(89,951)	(30,412)	(23,795)	(34,570)	662,820	195,622	116,429	15,326	(178,728)	990,197	(3,923,387)
Less: Preferred Shares dividends declared											(9,919)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	(89,951)	(30,412)	(23,795)	(34,570)	662,820	195,622	116,429	15,326	(178,728)	990,197	(3,933,306)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (89,951)	$ (30,412)	$ (23,795)	$ (34,570)	$ 662,820	$ 195,622	$ 116,429	$ 15,326	(178,728)	990,197	(3,933,306)
Numerator for Diluted EPS									$ (178,728)	$ 990,197	$ (3,933,306)
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions)									118.9	114.5	107.2
Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding
Preferred shares (in millions)										3.2
Employee compensation related shares including options and restricted stock units (in millions)										0.8
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions)									118.9	118.5	107.2
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$ (0.75)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.29)	$ 5.62	$ 1.66	$ 1.02	$ 0.14	$ (1.50)	$ 8.65	$ (36.68)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$ (0.75)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.29)	$ 5.56	$ 1.65	$ 0.98	$ 0.13	$ (1.50)	$ 8.36	$ (36.68)

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - A

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,500,000	6,200,000	5,100,000
Dilutive securities	0		0
Preferred Stock [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			9,600,000

Share-Based and Other Compens55

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 16, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 16,000,000	$ 23,200,000	$ 25,800,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	1,400,000	2,600,000	800,000
Options exercised intrinsic value	$ 200,000	0	300,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards, period of recognition	1 year 1 month 6 days
Cash received for exercise of stock options	$ 500,000	$ 0	200,000
Options exercised	126,000
Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, expiration period	10 years
Share based compensation, expiration period, service period	2 years
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, expiration period	15 years
Share based compensation, expiration period, service period	5 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options	$ 100,000
Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 0		$ 0
Granted	0	0	0
Options exercised	0	0
Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, expiration period	10 years
Time Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 13,700,000	$ 17,900,000	$ 22,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards, period of recognition	1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock awards	$ 4.36	$ 1.67	$ 11.64
Total intrinsic value of vested stock awards	$ 6,000,000	$ 1,700,000	$ 8,000,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock awards	$ 5,600,000
Time Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, vesting period	1 year
Time Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, vesting period	3 years
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,600,000	$ 2,200,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards, period of recognition	1 year 4 months 24 days
Share based compensation, vesting period	3 years
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock awards	$ 2.79	$ 0.94	$ 8.97
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock awards	$ 1,200,000
Adjusted EBITDA [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense		$ 100,000
2016 Options Modification [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock options, granted		1,200,000
Option modification, description		During the year ended December 31, 2016, we amended 1.2 million stock options under the 2008 Equity Plan (including 0.7 million of anti-dilution options), and 0.4 million stock options under the 2013 Equity Plan in order to modify the exercise prices to $4.16 for the anti-dilution options and to $3.77 for the remainder. As a result of the change, we estimated the difference between fair value of the amended options and the fair value of the original awards before settlement. The fair value was measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
2016 Options Modification [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense		$ 2,000,000
Number of stock options, granted		400,000
Option exercise price		$ 3.77
Dividend yields		0.00%
2016 Options Modification [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		0.80%
Expected volatility		50.00%
Expected life of options		1 year
2016 Options Modification [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		1.50%
Expected volatility		60.00%
Expected life of options		4 years
2016 Options Modification [Member] | Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense		$ 1,000,000
Number of stock options, granted		700,000
Option exercise price		$ 4.16
2008 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted during period	0
2013 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares available for future issuance	9,100,000
Increase in aggregate number of shares authorized under plan				20,000,000

Share-Based and Other Compens56

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans - Stock Option Activity (Detail) - Stock Options [Member] $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number of Stock Options
Outstanding, beginning of year | shares	2,291
Exercised | shares	(126)
Forfeited | shares	(35)
Expired | shares	(46)
Outstanding, end of year | shares	2,084
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | shares	1,944
Weighted Average Exercise price
Outstanding, beginning of year | $ / shares	$ 3.82
Exercised | $ / shares	3.77
Forfeited | $ / shares	3.77
Expired | $ / shares	3.80
Outstanding, end of year | $ / shares	3.84
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 3.88
Weighted Average remaining contractual term
Outstanding, end of year	6 years 8 months 12 days
Exercisable at December 31, 2017	6 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding, end of year | $	$ 0
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $	$ 0

Share-Based and Other Compens57

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans - Anti-Dilution Option Activity (Detail) - Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member] $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number of Stock Options
Outstanding, beginning of year | shares	1,610
Outstanding, end of year | shares	1,610
Exercisable, end of year | shares	1,610
Weighted Average Exercise price
Outstanding, beginning of year | $ / shares	$ 11.98
Outstanding, end of year | $ / shares	11.98
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 11.98
Weighted Average remaining contractual term
Outstanding, end of year	5 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable at December 31, 2017	5 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding, end of year | $	$ 0
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $	$ 0

Share-Based and Other Compens58

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans - Time Based Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) - Time Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Number of units
Outstanding, beginning of year	3,594
Granted	1,412
Vested	(1,400)
Forfeited	(189)
Outstanding, end of year	3,417	3,594
Weighted Average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year	$ 9.52
Granted	4.36	$ 1.67	$ 11.64
Vested	9.76
Forfeited	4.62
Outstanding, end of year	$ 7.56	$ 9.52
Weighted Average remaining contractual term
Outstanding, end of year	1 year 4 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding, end of year	$ 11.6

Share-Based and Other Compens59

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans - Time Based Restricted Stock Units Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Time Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs vested but shares not issued	1,025

Share-Based and Other Compens60

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans - Performance Based Restricted Stock Units (Detail) - Performance Based Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Number of units
Outstanding, beginning of year	1,829
Granted	790
Cancelled	(324)
Forfeited	(139)
Outstanding, end of year	2,156	1,829
Weighted Average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year	$ 6.22
Granted	2.79	$ 0.94	$ 8.97
Cancelled	21.48
Forfeited	3.01
Outstanding, end of year	$ 2.89	$ 6.22
Weighted Average remaining contractual term
Outstanding, end of year	1 year 4 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding, end of year	$ 7.3

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Marketable securities, fair value	$ 5,776	$ 5,381
Undesignated interest rate cap	22,336
Warrant	4,100
Assets, fair value	32,212	5,381
Liabilities
Derivatives, fair value	658	1,496
Liabilities, fair value	658	1,496
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets
Marketable securities, fair value	5,776	5,381
Assets, fair value	5,776	5,381
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets
Undesignated interest rate cap	22,336
Assets, fair value	22,336
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets
Warrant	4,100
Assets, fair value	4,100
Liabilities
Derivatives, fair value	658	1,496
Liabilities, fair value	$ 658	$ 1,496

Fair Value Measurements - Sch62

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Sale of marketable securities	$ 0.7
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities	$ 4.7	$ 5

Retirement Plans and Other Re63

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Bonds	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment, decrease in pension liability and actuarial loss	$ 10,300
Average remaining life expectancy of plan participants	20 years
Amendment description of plan		In the first quarter of 2015, we amended the defined benefit retirement plan to cease the accrual of additional benefits for the remaining active participants effective March 31, 2015, resulting in a curtailment of $10.3 million that decreased both the pension liability and the actuarial loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. As a result of the curtailment, all of the plan’s participants are now considered inactive. Accordingly, all amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss are being recognized as an increase to net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants, which is approximately 20 years, beginning in the second quarter of 2015. Also, as a result of the plan amendment, we recognized in our consolidated statements of operations $0.6 million of prior service credits that were previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Effect on prior service credits by plan amendment	$ 600
Discount rate			3.80%	4.50%
Reduction in interest cost			$ 3,600
Target allocation		100.00%	100.00%
Assumed health care cost trend rate		6.80%	7.20%
Expected decrease in health care cost trend rate		4.50%
Effect of one percent increase in health care cost trend rate on other postretirement benefit obligation		$ 9,200
Effect of one percent decrease in health care cost trend rate on other postretirement benefit obligation		7,400
Effect of one percent increase in health care cost trend rate on service and interest cost components		300
Effect of one percent decrease in health care cost trend rate on service and interest cost components		200
Recognized compensation expense		$ 7,800	$ 10,300	$ 6,800
Prior to Medicare [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed health care cost trend rate		6.60%	6.90%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation		49.00%	49.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | U S Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation		29.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Non-U.S. Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation		20.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation		36.00%	36.00%
Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation		15.00%	15.00%
Other Securities [Member] | Hedge Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation		5.00%
Other Securities [Member] | Real Estate Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation		10.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Short Duration Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of investments | Bonds		2
Defined Pension Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated contributions to plan in next fiscal year		$ 5,100
Discount rate		3.67%	3.82%
Accrued benefit costs		$ (112,640)	$ (107,419)
Accrued benefit costs included in other current liabilities		600	600
Accrued benefit costs included in other long-term liabilities		112,000	$ 106,900
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated contributions to plan in next fiscal year		$ 4,100
Discount rate		3.64%	4.19%
Accrued benefit costs		$ (82,587)	$ (82,897)
Accrued benefit costs included in other current liabilities		4,100	4,100
Accrued benefit costs included in other long-term liabilities		$ 78,500	$ 78,800

Retirement Plans and Other Re64

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Prior Service Credits and Actuarial Losses Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Periodic Pension Benefit Costs, Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	$ 21	$ (5)	$ (248)
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	2,074	2,223	5,244
Realized (gain) loss on investments	(235)	(192)	(340)
Direct Costs of Revenue Excluding Depreciation and Amortization [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	12	(3)	(141)
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	1,269	1,372	3,196
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	9	(2)	(107)
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	805	851	2,048
Other Expense, Net [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Realized (gain) loss on investments	$ (235)	$ (192)	$ (340)

Retirement Plans and Other Re65

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in plan assets
Plan assets at beginning of period	$ 317,510
Plan assets at fair value at end of period	334,582	$ 317,510
Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs
Discount rate		3.80%	4.50%
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	2,074	$ 2,223	$ 5,244
Prior service credits, net of tax	21	(5)	(248)
Defined Pension Benefit Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	424,929	435,462
Service cost	0	0	780
Interest cost	14,778	16,183	18,734
Plan amendments	0	0
Plan curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(24,380)	(30,454)
Actuarial (gain) loss	31,895	3,738
Benefit obligation at end of period	447,222	424,929	435,462
Change in plan assets
Plan assets at beginning of period	317,510	326,458
Employer contributions	2,888	606
Actual return on plan assets	38,564	20,900
Benefits paid	(24,380)	(30,454)
Plan assets at fair value at end of period	334,582	317,510	326,458
Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans	(112,640)	(107,419)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 447,222	$ 424,929
Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs
Discount rate	3.67%	3.82%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate	4.23%	4.53%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	7.60%	7.80%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	$ 2,363	$ 2,228
Prior service credits, net of tax	(8)	(8)
Total	2,355	2,220
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	99,152	87,981
Prior service credits, net of tax	(366)	(343)
Total	98,786	87,638
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year
Actuarial (gain) loss	(5,307)	(3,751)
Total	(5,307)	(3,751)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	82,897	90,583
Service cost	0	0	70
Interest cost	2,869	3,363	4,592
Employee contributions	416	422
Plan amendments	0	0
Plan curtailments	0	0
Benefits paid	(4,125)	(3,310)
Actuarial (gain) loss	530	(8,161)
Benefit obligation at end of period	82,587	82,897	$ 90,583
Change in plan assets
Employer contributions	3,709	2,888
Employee contributions	416	422
Benefits paid	(4,125)	(3,310)
Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans	$ (82,587)	$ (82,897)
Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs
Discount rate	3.64%	4.19%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate	4.19%	4.50%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	$ (289)	$ (5)
Prior service credits, net of tax	29	3
Total	(260)	(2)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax	(8,815)	(9,468)
Total	(8,815)	(9,468)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year
Actuarial (gain) loss	403
Prior service credits	8	8
Total	$ 411	$ 8

Retirement Plans and Other Re66

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Target and Actual Asset Allocation of Pension Plan Assets (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Actual allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	49.00%	49.00%
Actual allocation	50.00%	47.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	36.00%	36.00%
Actual allocation	35.00%	34.00%
Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation	15.00%	15.00%
Actual allocation	15.00%	19.00%

Retirement Plans and Other Re67

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	$ 334,582	$ 317,510
Other Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	282,830	258,205
Short Duration Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	98,421	90,099
Short Duration Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	98,421	90,099
U.S. Large-Cap [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	78,076	80,698
U.S. Large-Cap [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	78,076	80,698
U.S. Small/Mid-Cap [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	19,952	22,184
U.S. Small/Mid-Cap [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	19,952	22,184
World Equity Ex-US [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	67,835	46,999
World Equity Ex-US [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	67,835	46,999
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	9,419	14,125
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	9,419	14,125
Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	9,127	4,100
Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	9,127	4,100
Hedge Fund [Member] | Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	17,121	15,880
Core Property Fund [Member] | Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	34,486	43,266
Income Earned but not yet Received [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	$ 145	$ 159

Retirement Plans and Other Re68

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Parenthetical) (Detail)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected investment of net assets in investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments		100.00%	100.00%
Pre-notification period	95 days	95 days
Lockup period on expired purchases		2 years
Short Duration Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected investment of net assets in investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments		80.00%
Short Duration Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Securities or fund's average portfolio maturity period		2 years
Short Duration Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Securities or fund's average portfolio maturity period		0 years
Limited Duration Bond Fund [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Securities or fund's average portfolio maturity period		3 years

Retirement Plans and Other Re69

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Pension Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 780
Interest cost	14,778	16,183	18,734
Expected return on plan assets	(24,410)	(25,535)	(25,926)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits			(43)
Amortization of unrecognized net (gain) loss	3,751	3,370	7,911
Curtailment gain			(564)
Special termination benefit recognized	0	0	0
Total benefit	(5,881)	(5,982)	892
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	0	0	70
Interest cost	2,869	3,363	4,592
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits	(8)
Amortization of unrecognized net (gain) loss	(455)	(8)	596
Total benefit	$ 2,406	$ 3,355	$ 5,258

Retirement Plans and Other Re70

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Benefits Expected to be Paid Next Five Years (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Pension Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	$ 37,063
2,019	28,918
2,020	27,864
2,021	27,615
2,022	27,447
2023 to 2027	131,974
Total	280,881
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	4,091
2,019	4,358
2,020	4,582
2,021	4,788
2,022	4,972
2023 to 2027	26,121
Total	$ 48,912

Receivables - Summary of Receiv

Receivables - Summary of Receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (29,669)	$ (54,744)
Total	221,223	203,036
Services [Member] | Billed [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	234,724	246,833
Services [Member] | Unbilled [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	11,025	8,872
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 5,143	$ 2,075

Satellites and Other Property72

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment - Schedule of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	$ 11,725,833	$ 11,342,069
Less: accumulated depreciation	(5,802,214)	(5,156,227)
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,923,619	6,185,842
Satellites And Launch Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	10,653,213	10,363,771
Information Systems And Ground Segment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	808,203	727,929
Buildings and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	$ 264,417	$ 250,369

Satellites and Other Property73

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction-in-progress	$ 700	$ 700	$ 1,100
Capitalized interest		60	98.3
Depreciation expense		$ 665.6	$ 646.4	$ 627.5
Intelsat 33e Satellite Anomaly [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Insurance proceeds	$ 49.8
Loss on claim receivable from insurer					$ 78

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)NonControllingInvestments	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 12,610,036	$ 12,942,009
Percentage of revenue to JSAT	50.00%
Number of noncontrolling investments | NonControllingInvestments	5
Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments	$ 54,700	29,000
OneWeb [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments	54,700	29,000
Horizons Satellite Holdings [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total assets	38,700	48,300
Total liabilities	38,700	48,300
Revenue share, net of applicable fees and commissions	$ 5,400	6,200
Horizons-3 Satellite LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue to JSAT	50.00%
Management authority and equal rights to profits and revenues	50.00%
Capital contribution in percent	50.00%
Payments for advance to affiliate	$ 27,400	10,300
Horizons-3 Satellite LLC [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 61,800	$ 31,100

Investments - Changes in Equity

Investments - Changes in Equity Attributable to Intelsat and Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				$ (3,609,998)				$ (4,620,353)	$ (3,609,998)	$ (4,620,353)
Net income (loss)	$ (88,956)	$ (29,416)	$ (22,800)	(33,642)	$ 663,803	$ 196,605	$ 117,412	16,292	(174,814)	994,112	$ (3,919,453)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests									(8,755)	(8,980)
Share-based compensation									16,472	23,089
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment									(11,801)	2,041
Other comprehensive income									332	93
Ending Balance	(3,788,564)				(3,609,998)				(3,788,564)	(3,609,998)	(4,620,353)
Intelsat S.A. Shareholders' Deficit [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				(3,634,145)				(4,649,565)	(3,634,145)	(4,649,565)
Net income (loss)									(178,728)	990,197
Share-based compensation									16,472	23,089	25,921
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment									(11,801)	2,041
Other comprehensive income									332	93	(361)
Ending Balance	(3,807,870)				(3,634,145)				(3,807,870)	(3,634,145)	(4,649,565)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				$ 24,147				$ 29,212	24,147	29,212
Net income (loss)									3,914	3,915
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests									(8,755)	(8,980)	(8,423)
Ending Balance	$ 19,306				$ 24,147				$ 19,306	$ 24,147	$ 29,212

Goodwill and Other Intangible76

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets not Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,620,627	$ 2,620,627
Intangible Assets	2,452,900	2,452,900
Orbital Locations [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets	2,387,700	2,387,700
Trade Name [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets	$ 65,200	$ 65,200

Goodwill and Other Intangible77

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets not Subject to Amortization (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated impairment losses	$ 4,160,200

Goodwill and Other Intangible78

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of operating segments for impairment analysis | Segment	1
Impairment for goodwill	$ 0
Amortization expense	42,300,000	$ 48,500,000	$ 60,200,000
Orbital Locations [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets	0	0
Trade Name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible79

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,277,790	$ 1,277,790
Accumulated Amortization	(928,206)	(885,952)
Net Carrying Amount	349,584	391,838
Backlog and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	743,760	743,760
Accumulated Amortization	(686,425)	(669,045)
Net Carrying Amount	57,335	74,715
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	534,030	534,030
Accumulated Amortization	(241,781)	(216,907)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 292,249	$ 317,123

Goodwill and Other Intangible80

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Scheduled Amortization Charges for Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 38,481
2,019	34,351
2,020	31,103
2,021	28,635
2,022	$ 25,479

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Ca

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 05, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Mar. 29, 2016	Apr. 26, 2012	Apr. 05, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 14,208,658			$ 14,198,084
Current portion of long-term debt	96,572			0
Total long-term debt, excluding current portion	14,112,086			14,198,084
Long-term debt, Fair Value	12,963,999			11,281,169
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, excluding current portion	(1,209,646)			(1,406,823)
6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value			$ 403,300
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	3,268,870			3,467,902
Long-term debt, Fair Value	1,944,769			1,345,000
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	96,650			500,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount	(78)			(5,746)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	94,717			410,000
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	2,000,000			2,000,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	13,325			16,588
Long-term debt, Fair Value	1,070,000			640,000
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,000,000			1,000,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	8,562			9,764
Long-term debt, Fair Value	515,000			295,000
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	403,350
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount	(209,165)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	265,052
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	464,784			434,627
Long-term debt, Fair Value	640,406			475,725
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	(1,209,646)			(1,406,823)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	(845,917)			(676,382)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Fair Value				(330,107)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Fair Value	(523,855)			(313,334)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Fair Value	(57,506)			(32,941)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	402,600
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	(402,595)
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	(208,775)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	(264,556)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 12.5% Senior Notes due April 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	731,892			731,884
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount	(267,108)			(297,257)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	640,406			475,725
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value				(402,570)
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount				5,490
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	(979,168)			(979,168)
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	(6,524)			(8,121)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	(111,663)			(111,663)
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	(956)			(1,090)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | Twelve Point Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member] | Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount	67,525			71,877
Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	11,684,650			11,702,378				$ 2,650,000
Long-term debt, Fair Value	11,224,741			10,136,826
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	490,000			490,000	$ 490,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount	(17,556)			(20,243)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	565,950			543,900
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,349,678			1,349,678		$ 1,250,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium	(5,378)			(6,005)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	1,423,910			1,383,420
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	2,200,000			2,200,000			$ 1,200,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium	(5,151)			(6,756)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	2,068,000			1,716,000
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value		$ 1,500,000		1,500,000				1,500,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs				5,886
Long-term debt, Fair Value				1,260,000
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,150,000			1,150,000				$ 1,150,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	5,415			6,828
Long-term debt, Fair Value	1,040,750			879,750
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	2,000,000			2,000,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	12,977			14,900
Long-term debt, Fair Value	1,630,000			1,340,000
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,500,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	20,315
Long-term debt, Fair Value	1,455,000
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	1,095,000			3,095,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount	(4,636)			(21,682)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	1,093,631			$ 3,013,756
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facilities due November 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	2,000,000
Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount	(28,600)
Long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 1,947,500

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of 82

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jul. 05, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	Mar. 29, 2016	Apr. 26, 2012	Apr. 05, 2011
6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member] | Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2018-06	2018-06
Senior Notes, Interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member] | Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2021-06	2021-06
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.75%	7.75%
8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 [Member] | Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2023-06	2023-06
Senior Notes, Interest rate	8.125%	8.125%
12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 [Member] | Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2024-11	2024-11
Senior Notes, Interest rate	12.50%	12.50%
12.5% Senior Notes due April 2022 [Member] | Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2022-04	2022-04
Senior Notes, Interest rate	12.50%	12.50%
9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2022-09	2022-09
Senior Notes, Interest rate	9.50%	9.50%			9.50%
8.00% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2024-02	2024-02
Senior Notes, Interest rate	8.00%	8.00%				8.00%
7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2020-10	2020-10
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.25%	7.25%					7.25%
7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2019-04	2019-04
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%					7.25%
7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2021-04	2021-04
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.50%	7.50%						7.50%
5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2023-08	2023-08
Senior Notes, Interest rate	5.50%	5.50%
9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2025-07	2025-07
Senior Notes, Interest rate	9.75%	9.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2019-06	2019-06
Senior Secured Credit Facilities due November 2023 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2023-11	2023-11
6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Interest rate				6.75%
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member] | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 [Member] | Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2024-11	2024-11
Senior Notes, Interest rate	12.50%	12.50%
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member] | Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2018-06	2018-06
Senior Notes, Interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member] | 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member] | Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2021-06	2021-06
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.75%	7.75%
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member] | 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 [Member] | Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Maturity date	2023-06	2023-06
Senior Notes, Interest rate	8.125%	8.125%

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Pr

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 96,650
2,019	1,095,000
2,020	2,200,000
2,021	2,170,832
2,022	1,221,892
2023 and thereafter	7,738,770
Total principal repayments	14,523,144
Unamortized discounts, premium and prepaid issuance costs	(314,486)
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 14,208,658	$ 14,198,084

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)	Jan. 02, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 27, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 05, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 15, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 27, 2013USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Convenant	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 26, 2012USD ($)	Apr. 05, 2011USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 14,198,084,000					$ 14,198,084,000			$ 14,208,658,000	$ 14,198,084,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt															$ (4,109,000)	1,030,092,000	$ 7,061,000
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on January 15 and July 15
Early redemption price equal to percentage of principal amount of notes															100.00%
Number of financial covenants | Convenant															2
Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments variable interest rate spread					2.75%
Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments variable interest rate spread					1.00%
Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member] | ABR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments variable interest rate spread					1.75%
First Luxembourg 2018 Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fees							3,300,000
Cash paid in connection with the debt exchanges							226,500,000
2021 Luxembourg Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							538,400,000					538,400,000				538,400,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt							609,800,000
Cash paid in connection with the debt exchanges							29,400,000
Luxembourg 2023 Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							61,400,000					61,400,000				61,400,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt							69,400,000
Cash paid in connection with the debt exchanges							3,300,000
Term Loan Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility						$ 3,250,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | B Two Tranche Term Loan [Member] | Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	$ 1,095,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | B Four Tranche Term Loan [Member] | Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	$ 395,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | B Four Tranche Term Loan [Member] | Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Interest rate	4.50%
Subsequent Event [Member] | B Four Tranche Term Loan [Member] | Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Interest rate	3.50%
Subsequent Event [Member] | B Five Tranche Term Loan [Member] | Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes	$ 700,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate	6.625%
Debt, maturity date	Jan. 2, 2024
6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes																		$ 403,300,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate																		6.75%
12.5% Senior Notes due 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Interest rate																		12.50%
2018 Luxembourg Notes [Member] | Second Luxembourg 2018 Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes																		$ 25,000,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt											$ 500,000
2018 Luxembourg Notes [Member] | First Luxembourg 2018 Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							377,600,000					377,600,000				377,600,000
12.5% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] | First Luxembourg 2018 Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 132,100,000					$ 132,100,000				$ 132,100,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							12.50%					12.50%				12.50%
7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member] | 2021 Luxembourg Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 979,200,000					$ 979,200,000				$ 979,200,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							7.75%					7.75%				7.75%
8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 [Member] | Luxembourg 2023 Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 111,700,000					$ 111,700,000				$ 111,700,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							8.125%					8.125%				8.125%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Interest rate																				3.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | ABR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Interest rate																				2.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly payment percentage						0.25%
Debt, maturity date					Jun. 30, 2019
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility						$ 500,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit New Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility					$ 450,000,000
Debt, maturity date					Jul. 12, 2017
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Intelsat Jackson Revolving Credit Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility					$ 50,000,000
Financial Covenants [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio															2.74
Consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense															2.05
Financial Covenants [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio															3.50
Consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense															1.75
Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 11,702,378,000					$ 11,702,378,000			$ 11,684,650,000	$ 11,702,378,000						$ 2,650,000,000
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | New Jackson Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on April 1 and October 1.
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 1,349,678,000					$ 1,349,678,000			$ 1,349,678,000	$ 1,349,678,000			$ 1,250,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							8.00%					8.00%			8.00%	8.00%			8.00%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2024-02	2024-02
Senior Notes, Principal amount								$ 99,700,000					$ 99,700,000
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 6.625 % Senior Notes due December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, Interest rate									6.625%
Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid									$ 459,700,000
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2022-12
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt									131,400,000					$ 131,400,000
Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid								141,400,000
Cash paid as part of repayment								17,000,000
Principal amount of debt consent for amendment of indenture								141,500,000
Cash paid for amendment of indenture								$ 9,200,000
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 490,000,000		$ 490,000,000			$ 490,000,000			$ 490,000,000	$ 490,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							9.50%		9.50%			9.50%			9.50%	9.50%
Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid				$ 673,500,000
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2022-09	2022-09
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt													$ 219,600,000			$ 219,600,000
Senior Notes, Discount rate									2.00%
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on March 30 and September 30.
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes			$ 1,500,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate			9.75%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2,025
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes			$ 1,500,000,000				$ 1,500,000,000					$ 1,500,000,000				$ 1,500,000,000						$ 1,500,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate			7.25%				7.25%					7.25%			7.25%	7.25%						7.25%
Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid			$ 1,500,000,000
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2019-04	2019-04
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt										$ (4,600,000)					$ (4,600,000)
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 2,200,000,000					$ 2,200,000,000			$ 2,200,000,000	$ 2,200,000,000					$ 1,200,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							7.25%					7.25%			7.25%	7.25%					7.25%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2020-10	2020-10
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on April 15 and October 15.
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															$ 1,150,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate															7.25%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2021-04
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 5.5% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															$ 2,000,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate															5.50%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2023-08
Early redemption price equal to percentage of principal amount of notes															100.00%
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member] | B Three Tranche Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility		$ 2,000,000,000
Debt, maturity date															Nov. 27, 2023
Debt instrument redemption percentage		1.00%
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member] | B Three Tranche Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments variable interest rate spread		3.75%
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member] | B Three Tranche Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments variable interest rate spread		2.75%
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															$ 1,500,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							9.75%					9.75%			9.75%	9.75%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2025-07	2025-07
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 3,467,902,000					$ 3,467,902,000			$ 3,268,870,000	$ 3,467,902,000
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000			$ 96,650,000	$ 500,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							6.75%					6.75%			6.75%	6.75%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2018-06	2018-06
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on June 1 and December 1
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															$ 2,000,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate															7.75%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2021-06
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on June 1 and December 1.
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 1,000,000,000					$ 1,000,000,000			$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							8.125%					8.125%			8.125%	8.125%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2023-06	2023-06
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on June 1 and December 1.
Early redemption price equal to percentage of principal amount of notes															100.00%
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															$ 403,350,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate							12.50%					12.50%			12.50%	12.50%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2024-11	2024-11
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes							$ 434,627,000					$ 434,627,000			$ 464,784,000	$ 434,627,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt												$ 679,100,000
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															979,200,000
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 12.5% Senior Secured Notes due April 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															$ 731,900,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate															12.50%
Senior Notes, Maturity date															2022-04
Interest payment dates															Semi-annually on June 15 and December 15.
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 2018 Luxembourg Notes [Member] | Second Luxembourg 2018 Exchange [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes																		$ 377,600,000
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior notes															$ 402,600,000

Derivative Instruments and He85

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative	$ 0	$ 4,100,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Put Option Embedded Derivative [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	1,496,000	658,000
Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional value		2,400,000,000
Interest Rate Caps [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative	$ 0	$ 22,336,000
Series B Senior Notes [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Percentage of repurchase of notes	101.00%

Derivative Instruments and He86

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Schedule of Fair Value of Derivatives by Category (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	$ 4,100	$ 0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	27,094	1,496
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Put Option Embedded Derivative [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	658	1,496
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Preferred Stock Warrant [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	4,100
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	22,336	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-term Liabilities [Member] | Put Option Embedded Derivative [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	$ 658	$ 1,496

Derivative Instruments and He87

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments, Included in Interest Expense, Net in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Total loss on derivative financial instruments	$ 1,738	$ 3,483
Put Option Embedded Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Embedded derivative Included in other expense, net	732
Included in Interest Expense, Net [Member] | Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Undesignated interest rate	$ 1,006
Included in Interest Expense, Net [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Undesignated interest rate		$ 3,483

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax [Line Items]
U.S. corporate tax rate		35.00%
Percentage of EBITDA limit set for U.S. interest expense deductions		30.00%
Percentage of EBIT limit set for U.S. interest expense deductions		30.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, income tax benefit		$ 28,000
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, decrease in net deferred tax liabilities		28,000
Deferred tax asset attributable to net operating loss carryforwards		(3,840,759)	$ (3,937,736)
Deferred tax assets attributable to tax credit carryforwards		11,335	17,562
Long term tax receivable		2,300
Net operating loss carryforwards with expiration		40,600
Net operating loss carryforwards without expiration		3,800,000
Research and development credit carryforward		4,200
Foreign tax credit carryforward		11,200
Valuation allowance amount		(3,456,344)	(3,415,491)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits		31,380	36,167	$ 40,248
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate		27,800	27,900
Reserves for interest and penalties		600	3,100
Increase in prior period tax position		300
Increase related to current tax position		2,200
Decrease due to the expiration of statute of limitations for assessment of taxes		7,281	7,034
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
U.S. corporate tax rate	21.00%
Future Benefit [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets attributable to tax credit carryforwards		$ 15,400	$ 28,700
Research and Development Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date		2,037
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Enacted tax rate		27.08%
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date		2,026
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date		2,022
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date		2,037

Income Taxes - Summary of Total

Income Taxes - Summary of Total Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Provision For Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ (103,684)	$ 1,010,098	$ (3,917,940)
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Provision For Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	(18,149)	938,156	(3,966,322)
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Provision For Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ (85,535)	$ 71,942	$ 48,382

Income Taxes - Provision for (B

Income Taxes - Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current income tax provision
Domestic	$ (125)	$ (35)
Foreign	27,309	25,721	$ 10,817
Total	27,184	25,686	10,817
Deferred income tax benefit:
Domestic	72	(80)
Foreign	43,874	(9,620)	(9,304)
Total	43,946	(9,700)	(9,304)
Total income tax provision (benefit)	$ 71,130	$ 15,986	$ 1,513

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provi

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected tax provision (benefit) at Luxembourg statutory income tax rate	$ (28,078)	$ 295,150	$ (1,144,822)
Foreign income tax differential	66,242	51,787	42,339
Nontaxable interest income			(67,651)
Lux Financing Activities	30,232	(8,279)	40,169
Tax deductible impairment charges in Luxembourg subsidiaries		(1,280,759)	(854,393)
Change in tax rate	(28,250)	416,156
Goodwill impairment			599,974
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	(79)	(1,629)	(15,465)
Changes in valuation allowance	40,853	554,479	1,463,774
Tax effect of 2011 Intercompany Sale	(6,073)	(6,701)	(6,112)
Foreign tax credits	(3,107)	(5,480)	(2,171)
Research and development tax credits	(2,786)	(3,275)	(2,103)
Other	2,176	4,537	(52,026)
Total income tax provision (benefit)	$ 71,130	$ 15,986	$ 1,513

Income Taxes - Components of Ne

Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term deferred taxes, net	$ (48,434)	$ (168,445)
Other assets	14,583	15,181
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals and advances	17,169	31,015
Amortizable intangible assets	13,421	17,549
Non-amortizable intangible assets	147,332	76,774
Performance incentives	7,289	14,599
Customer deposits	16,064	20,664
Bad debt reserve	2,033	8,659
Accrued retirement benefits	43,592	67,998
Disallowed interest expense carryforward	75,546	109,575
Net operating loss carryforward	3,840,759	3,937,736
Tax credits	11,335	17,562
Other	8,418	16,491
Total deferred tax assets	4,182,958	4,318,622
Deferred tax liabilities:
Satellites and other property and equipment	(266,330)	(186,390)
Amortizable intangible assets	(366,777)	(379,653)
Non-amortizable intangible assets	(103,730)	(186,618)
Tax basis differences in investments and affiliates	(6,753)	(231,210)
Other	(16,875)	(72,524)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(760,465)	(1,056,395)
Valuation allowance	(3,456,344)	(3,415,491)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$ (33,851)	$ (153,264)

Income Taxes - Summary of Activ

Income Taxes - Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$ 36,167	$ 40,248
Increases related to current year tax positions	2,193	2,301
Increases related to prior year tax positions	304	1,530
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(3)	(878)
Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes	(7,281)	(7,034)
Balance at December 31	$ 31,380	$ 36,167

Contractual Commitments - Addit

Contractual Commitments - Additional Expenditures and Expected Year of Payment (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
2,018	$ 520,210
2,019	345,977
2,020	224,490
2,021	89,664
2,022	79,094
2023 and thereafter	362,832
Total contractual commitments	1,622,267
Sublease [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
2,018	(665)
2,019	(617)
2,020	(526)
2,021	(312)
2,022	(143)
2023 and thereafter	(161)
Total Sublease Rental Income	(2,424)
Satellite Construction and Launch Obligations [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
2,018	324,403
2,019	268,098
2,020	149,047
2,021	18,738
2,022	17,121
2023 and thereafter	51,197
Total contractual commitments	828,604
Satellite Performance Incentive Obligations [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
2,018	42,987
2,019	42,244
2,020	43,023
2,021	42,226
2,022	31,898
2023 and thereafter	158,189
Total contractual commitments	360,567
Horizons-3 Satellite LLC Contribution Obligations [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
2,018	41,500
2,019	4,600
2,020	11,900
2,021	13,500
2,022	15,900
2023 and thereafter	59,700
Total contractual commitments	147,100
Operating Leases [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
2,018	14,338
2,019	13,889
2,020	13,500
2,021	13,376
2,022	13,424
2023 and thereafter	93,501
Total contractual commitments	162,028
Customer and Vendor Contracts [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
2,018	97,647
2,019	17,763
2,020	7,546
2,021	2,136
2,022	894
2023 and thereafter	406
Total contractual commitments	$ 126,392

Contractual Commitments - Add95

Contractual Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
Contractual commitments	$ 1,622,267
Total obligation related to operating leases	159,600
Total rental expense	14,800	$ 14,000	$ 14,900
Satellite Construction and Launch Obligations [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
Contractual commitments	828,604
Satellite Performance Incentive Obligations [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
Contractual commitments	360,567
Customer and Vendor Contracts [Member]
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]
Contractual commitments	$ 126,392

Business and Geographic Segme96

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Geographic Distribution of Revenue (Detail) - Revenues [Member] - Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
North America [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	50.00%	49.00%	47.00%
Europe [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	13.00%	14.00%	15.00%
Latin America and Caribbean [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	14.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Africa and Middle East [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	14.00%	13.00%	14.00%
Asia Pacific [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%

Business and Geographic Segme97

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) - Customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of major customers	10
Revenues [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	9.00%	8.00%	7.00%
Largest customers accounted revenue in percentage	34.00%	31.00%	29.00%

Business and Geographic Segme98

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Off-Network and On-Network Revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 538,140	$ 538,759	$ 533,229	$ 538,484	$ 550,694	$ 542,727	$ 541,983	$ 552,643	$ 2,148,612	$ 2,188,047	$ 2,352,521
On-Network Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									1,960,936	1,985,000	2,149,770
On-Network Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and Other Off-Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									1,543,384	1,561,108	1,705,568
On-Network Revenues [Member] | Managed Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									412,147	414,758	405,330
On-Network Revenues [Member] | Channel [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									5,405	9,134	38,872
Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									187,676	203,047	202,751
Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and Other Off-Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									141,845	157,212	160,063
Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Satellite-Related Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 45,831	$ 45,835	$ 42,688
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									91.00%	91.00%	91.00%
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and Other Off-Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									72.00%	71.00%	73.00%
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member] | Managed Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									19.00%	19.00%	17.00%
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member] | Channel [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									0.00%	0.00%	2.00%
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member] | Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member] | Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and Other Off-Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Revenues [Member] | Service Concentration Risk [Member] | Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Satellite-Related Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									2.00%	2.00%	2.00%

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Horizons Satellite Holdings [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity method investment,ownership percentage	50.00%
Horizons-3 Satellite LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity method investment,ownership percentage	50.00%

Quarterly Results of Operati100

Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) - Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 538,140	$ 538,759	$ 533,229	$ 538,484	$ 550,694	$ 542,727	$ 541,983	$ 552,643	$ 2,148,612	$ 2,188,047	$ 2,352,521
Income from operations	233,815	234,033	229,113	217,596	233,705	220,410	227,324	239,173	914,557	920,612	(3,028,521)
Net income (loss)	(88,956)	(29,416)	(22,800)	(33,642)	663,803	196,605	117,412	16,292	(174,814)	994,112	(3,919,453)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	(89,951)	(30,412)	(23,795)	(34,570)	662,820	195,622	116,429	15,326	(178,728)	990,197	(3,923,387)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (89,951)	$ (30,412)	$ (23,795)	$ (34,570)	$ 662,820	$ 195,622	$ 116,429	$ 15,326	$ (178,728)	$ 990,197	$ (3,933,306)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
Basic	$ (0.75)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.29)	$ 5.62	$ 1.66	$ 1.02	$ 0.14	$ (1.50)	$ 8.65	$ (36.68)
Diluted	$ (0.75)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.29)	$ 5.56	$ 1.65	$ 0.98	$ 0.13	$ (1.50)	$ 8.36	$ (36.68)

Quarterly Results of Operati101

Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) - Quarterly Results of Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt							$ (4,109)	$ 1,030,092	$ 7,061
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt				$ 679,100
6.625 % Senior Notes due December 2022 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	$ 131,400					$ 131,400
9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt					$ 219,600			$ 219,600
7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member] | Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt		$ (4,600)					$ (4,600)
Second Luxembourg 2018 Exchange [Member] | 2018 Luxembourg Notes [Member]
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt			$ 500

Supplemental Consolidating F102

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 05, 2017	Apr. 26, 2012	Apr. 05, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 14,208,658	$ 14,198,084
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,469)	2,134	$ 34,088
Intelsat Jackson [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	11,684,650	11,702,378				$ 2,650,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (11,500)	2,100	$ 34,100
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value		$ 1,500,000		$ 1,500,000		$ 1,500,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.25%	7.25%		7.25%		7.25%
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 1,150,000	$ 1,150,000				$ 1,150,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.50%	7.50%				7.50%
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | 7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 2,200,000	$ 2,200,000			$ 1,200,000
Senior Notes, Interest rate	7.25%	7.25%			7.25%

Supplemental Consolidating F103

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 525,215	$ 666,024	$ 171,541	$ 123,147
Restricted cash	16,176	0
Receivables, net of allowance	221,223	203,036
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	56,862	55,908
Total current assets	819,476	924,968
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,923,619	6,185,842
Goodwill	2,620,627	2,620,627
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,452,900	2,452,900
Amortizable intangible assets, net	349,584	391,838
Other assets	443,830	365,834
Total assets	12,610,036	12,942,009
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	157,731	282,898
Accrued interest payable	263,207	204,840
Current portion of long-term debt	96,572	0
Deferred satellite performance incentives	25,780	23,455
Other current liabilities	197,036	222,470
Total current liabilities	740,326	733,663
Long-term debt, net of current portion	14,112,086	14,198,084
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	215,352	210,706
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	794,707	906,744
Deferred income taxes	48,434	168,445
Accrued retirement benefits	191,079	186,284
Other long-term liabilities	296,616	148,081
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Common shares	1,196	1,180
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	(3,789,760)	(3,611,178)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	12,610,036	12,942,009
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	74,173	80,510	43,881	52,217
Restricted cash	422
Receivables, net of allowance	58,686	51,689
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,404	6,703
Intercompany receivables		302,118
Total current assets	143,685	441,020
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	86,429	89,383
Other assets	101,188	62,123
Total assets	331,302	592,526
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	21,644	27,351
Other current liabilities	3,815	3,081
Intercompany payables	94,559
Total current liabilities	120,018	30,432
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	165	223
Deferred income taxes	10,544	12,444
Accrued retirement benefits	222	198
Other long-term liabilities	6,088	7,093
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Common shares	24	24
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	194,241	542,112
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	331,302	592,526
Intelsat S.A. and Other Parent Guarantors [Member] | Parent [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,010	552	16,941	6,229
Receivables, net of allowance	4	2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,102	882
Total current assets	2,116	1,436
Investment in affiliates	(3,252,586)	(3,086,095)
Other assets	90	169
Total assets	(3,250,380)	(3,084,490)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25,276	23,153
Intercompany payables	512,908	502,355
Total current liabilities	538,184	525,508
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Common shares	1,196	1,180
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	(3,789,760)	(3,611,178)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	(3,250,380)	(3,084,490)
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	48,174	59,752	760	1,068
Receivables, net of allowance	59
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3
Intercompany receivables	132,612
Total current assets	180,845	59,755
Investment in affiliates	(501,466)	(23,113)
Other assets	348
Total assets	(320,273)	36,642
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	413
Accrued interest payable	13,163	13,158
Current portion of long-term debt	96,572
Intercompany payables		366,589
Total current liabilities	110,148	379,747
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,172,298	3,467,902
Other long-term liabilities	784
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Common shares	7,202	7,202
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	(3,610,705)	(3,818,209)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	(320,273)	36,642
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	67,822	29,985
Intercompany receivables	13,571	8,867
Total current assets	81,393	38,852
Investment in affiliates	(970,929)	(651,909)
Other assets	859,513	681,910
Total assets	(30,023)	68,853
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,878	10,830
Accrued interest payable	4,066	2,287
Total current liabilities	5,944	13,117
Long-term debt, net of current portion	464,784	434,627
Other long-term liabilities	716	1,554
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	(501,467)	(380,445)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	(30,023)	68,853
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	334,036	495,225	109,959	63,633
Restricted cash	15,754
Receivables, net of allowance	162,474	151,345
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	47,956	48,320
Intercompany receivables	461,284	557,959
Total current assets	1,021,504	1,252,849
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,837,190	6,096,459
Goodwill	2,620,627	2,620,627
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,452,900	2,452,900
Amortizable intangible assets, net	349,584	391,838
Investment in affiliates	194,264	184,804
Other assets	342,205	303,623
Total assets	12,818,274	13,303,100
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	111,121	221,564
Accrued interest payable	245,978	189,395
Deferred satellite performance incentives	25,780	23,455
Other current liabilities	193,221	219,389
Total current liabilities	576,100	653,803
Long-term debt, net of current portion	11,684,650	11,702,378
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	215,352	210,706
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	794,542	906,521
Deferred income taxes	37,890	156,081
Accrued retirement benefits	190,857	186,086
Other long-term liabilities	289,812	139,434
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Common shares	200	200
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	(971,129)	(652,109)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	12,818,274	13,303,100
Intelsat Jackson Subsidiaries Guarantors [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	256,619	414,339	89,641	63,144
Restricted cash	1,908
Receivables, net of allowance	162,072	151,322
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	47,891	48,263
Total current assets	468,490	613,924
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,837,190	6,096,459
Goodwill	2,620,627	2,620,627
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,452,900	2,452,900
Amortizable intangible assets, net	349,584	391,838
Investment in affiliates	194,264	184,804
Other assets	319,869	303,623
Total assets	12,242,924	12,664,175
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	110,446	218,897
Accrued interest payable	5,956	3,146
Deferred satellite performance incentives	25,780	23,455
Other current liabilities	193,221	219,389
Intercompany payables	1,290,806	2,183,616
Total current liabilities	1,626,209	2,648,503
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	215,352	210,706
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	794,542	906,521
Deferred income taxes	37,890	156,081
Accrued retirement benefits	190,857	186,086
Other long-term liabilities	289,812	139,434
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Common shares	7,346,327	5,558,066
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	1,741,935	2,858,778
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	12,242,924	12,664,175
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	(256,619)	(414,339)	$ (89,641)	$ (63,144)
Restricted cash	(1,908)
Receivables, net of allowance	(162,072)	(151,322)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(50,491)	(48,263)
Intercompany receivables	(607,467)	(868,944)
Total current assets	(1,078,557)	(1,482,868)
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	(5,837,190)	(6,096,459)
Goodwill	(2,620,627)	(2,620,627)
Non-amortizable intangible assets	(2,452,900)	(2,452,900)
Amortizable intangible assets, net	(349,584)	(391,838)
Investment in affiliates	4,336,453	3,391,509
Other assets	(1,179,383)	(985,614)
Total assets	(9,181,788)	(10,638,797)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(113,047)	(218,897)
Accrued interest payable	(5,956)	(3,146)
Deferred satellite performance incentives	(25,780)	(23,455)
Other current liabilities	(193,221)	(219,389)
Intercompany payables	(1,898,273)	(3,052,560)
Total current liabilities	(2,236,277)	(3,517,447)
Long-term debt, net of current portion	(1,209,646)	(1,406,823)
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	(215,352)	(210,706)
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	(794,542)	(906,521)
Deferred income taxes	(37,890)	(156,161)
Accrued retirement benefits	(190,857)	(186,086)
Other long-term liabilities	(290,596)	(139,434)
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
Common shares	(7,353,753)	(5,565,492)
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	3,147,125	1,449,873
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ (9,181,788)	$ (10,638,797)

Supplemental Consolidating F104

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 538,140	$ 538,759	$ 533,229	$ 538,484	$ 550,694	$ 542,727	$ 541,983	$ 552,643	$ 2,148,612	$ 2,188,047	$ 2,352,521
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)									322,216	341,147	328,501
Selling, general and administrative									204,015	231,397	199,412
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles											4,165,400
Depreciation and amortization									707,824	694,891	687,729
Total operating expenses									1,234,055	1,267,435	5,381,042
Income (loss) from operations	233,815	234,033	229,113	217,596	233,705	220,410	227,324	239,173	914,557	920,612	(3,028,521)
Interest expense (income), net									1,020,770	938,501	890,279
Gain on early extinguishment of debt									(4,109)	1,030,092	7,061
Other income (expense), net									6,638	(2,105)	(6,201)
Income (loss) before income taxes									(103,684)	1,010,098	(3,917,940)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									71,130	15,986	1,513
Net income (loss)	(88,956)	(29,416)	(22,800)	(33,642)	663,803	196,605	117,412	16,292	(174,814)	994,112	(3,919,453)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(3,914)	(3,915)	(3,934)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.	(89,951)	(30,412)	(23,795)	(34,570)	662,820	195,622	116,429	15,326	(178,728)	990,197	(3,923,387)
Cumulative preferred dividends											(9,919)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$ (89,951)	$ (30,412)	$ (23,795)	$ (34,570)	662,820	$ 195,622	$ 116,429	$ 15,326	(178,728)	990,197	(3,933,306)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									511,940	562,372	554,831
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)									434,491	452,899	449,274
Selling, general and administrative									57,673	79,083	65,143
Depreciation and amortization									18,580	18,349	32,945
Total operating expenses									510,744	550,331	547,362
Income (loss) from operations									1,196	12,041	7,469
Interest expense (income), net									(53,617)	(9,505)	(8,057)
Other income (expense), net									(1,133)	3,808	(10,568)
Income (loss) before income taxes									53,680	25,354	4,958
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									(1,370)	3,811	3,381
Net income (loss)									55,050	21,543	1,577
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(3,914)	(3,915)	(3,934)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.									51,136	17,628	(2,357)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders											(2,357)
Intelsat S.A. and Other Parent Guarantors [Member] | Parent [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									22,505	2,952
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									19,465	7,884	7,912
Total operating expenses									19,465	7,884	7,912
Income (loss) from operations									3,040	(4,932)	(7,912)
Interest expense (income), net									15,977	13,596	10,723
Subsidiary income									(165,800)	1,008,614	(3,904,747)
Other income (expense), net									(44)	(4)
Income (loss) before income taxes									(178,781)	990,082	(3,923,382)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									(53)	(115)	3
Net income (loss)									(178,728)	990,197	(3,923,385)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.									(178,728)	990,197	(3,923,385)
Cumulative preferred dividends											(9,919)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders											(3,933,304)
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									592	168	193
Total operating expenses									592	168	193
Income (loss) from operations									(592)	(168)	(193)
Interest expense (income), net									359,211	272,791	274,451
Gain on early extinguishment of debt									209,771		7,061
Subsidiary income									181,291	605,685	(3,614,952)
Other income (expense), net									(786)
Income (loss) before income taxes									30,473	332,726	(3,882,535)
Net income (loss)									30,473	332,726	(3,882,535)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.									30,473	332,726	(3,882,535)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders											(3,882,535)
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									2,003,186	1,999,114	2,160,235
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)									276,673	264,587	241,603
Selling, general and administrative									122,630	140,952	126,331
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles											4,165,400
Depreciation and amortization									689,244	676,542	654,784
Total operating expenses									1,088,547	1,082,081	5,188,118
Income (loss) from operations									914,639	917,033	(3,027,883)
Interest expense (income), net									727,540	661,671	613,162
Gain on early extinguishment of debt									(4,612)	350,962
Subsidiary income									(2,704)	9,869	11,983
Other income (expense), net									7,088	(5,909)	4,367
Income (loss) before income taxes									186,871	610,284	(3,624,695)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									72,553	12,290	(1,871)
Net income (loss)									114,318	597,994	(3,622,824)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.									114,318	597,994	(3,622,824)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders											(3,622,824)
Intelsat Jackson Subsidiaries Guarantors [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									2,003,201	1,999,129	2,160,251
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)									276,673	264,587	241,603
Selling, general and administrative									115,619	137,488	125,494
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles											4,165,400
Depreciation and amortization									689,244	676,542	654,784
Total operating expenses									1,081,536	1,078,617	5,187,281
Income (loss) from operations									921,665	920,512	(3,027,030)
Interest expense (income), net									176,767	183,931	36,059
Subsidiary income									(2,704)	9,869	11,983
Other income (expense), net									7,035	1,812	(5,136)
Income (loss) before income taxes									749,229	748,262	(3,056,242)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									72,553	12,290	(1,885)
Net income (loss)									676,676	735,972	(3,054,357)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.									676,676	735,972	(3,054,357)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders											(3,054,357)
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member]
Operating expenses:
Gain on early extinguishment of debt					$ 679,100
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									1,717	61
Total operating expenses									1,717	61
Income (loss) from operations									(1,717)	(61)
Interest expense (income), net									(14,116)	8
Gain on early extinguishment of debt									6
Subsidiary income									114,318	597,995
Other income (expense), net									728
Income (loss) before income taxes									127,451	597,926
Net income (loss)									127,451	597,926
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.									127,451	597,926
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									(2,392,220)	(2,375,520)	(2,522,796)
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)									(665,621)	(640,926)	(603,979)
Selling, general and administrative									(113,681)	(134,239)	(125,661)
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles											(4,165,400)
Depreciation and amortization									(689,244)	(676,542)	(654,784)
Total operating expenses									(1,468,546)	(1,451,707)	(5,549,824)
Income (loss) from operations									(923,674)	(923,813)	3,027,028
Interest expense (income), net									(190,992)	(183,991)	(36,059)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt									(209,274)	679,130
Subsidiary income									(124,401)	(2,232,032)	7,495,733
Other income (expense), net									(6,250)	(1,812)	5,136
Income (loss) before income taxes									(1,072,607)	(2,294,536)	10,563,956
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									(72,553)	(12,290)	1,885
Net income (loss)									(1,000,054)	(2,282,246)	10,562,071
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.									$ (1,000,054)	$ (2,282,246)	10,562,071
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders											$ 10,562,071

Supplemental Consolidating F105

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	$ 464,230	$ 683,506	$ 910,031
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	(461,627)	(714,570)	(724,362)
Purchase of cost method investment	(25,744)	(4,000)	(25,000)
Capital contributions to unconsolidated affiliate	(30,714)	(12,019)
Proceeds from insurance settlements	49,788
Other investing activities			8
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(468,297)	(730,589)	(749,354)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from drawdown of long-term debt	1,500,000	1,250,000	430,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,500,000)	(328,944)	(496,829)
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt		(32)
Debt issuance costs	(41,237)	(38,393)
Payments on tender, debt exchange and consent transaction	(14)	(293,276)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders		(4,959)	(9,919)
Other payments for satellites	(35,396)	(18,333)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	(37,186)	(17,429)	(19,568)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(8,755)	(8,980)	(8,423)
Restricted cash for collateral	(16,160)
Other financing activities	890	1,942	1,753
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(137,858)	541,596	(102,986)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,116	(30)	(9,297)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(140,809)	494,483	48,394
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	666,024	171,541	123,147
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	525,215	666,024	171,541
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	25,037	(314,986)	22,438
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	(15,785)	(15,357)	(4,089)
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans		359,237	(346,799)
Capital contributions to unconsolidated affiliate	(30,714)	(10,340)
Other investing activities		(1,679)	(424)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(46,499)	331,861	(351,312)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany loans	603
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing			(634)
Capital contribution from parent	37,986	36,742	367,553
Dividends to shareholders	(13,755)	(8,980)	(28,423)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives			(1,163)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(8,755)	(8,980)	(8,423)
Restricted cash for collateral	(413)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	15,666	18,782	328,910
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(541)	972	(8,372)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(6,337)	36,629	(8,336)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	80,510	43,881	52,217
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	74,173	80,510	43,881
Intelsat S.A. and Other Parent Guarantors [Member] | Parent [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	27	(10,234)	724
Cash flows from investing activities:
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans		4,895	9,538
Investment in subsidiaries		(6,087)	(7,355)
Dividend from affiliates			19,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(1,192)	21,183
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing			(1,430)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders		(4,959)	(9,919)
Other financing activities	476		154
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	476	(4,959)	(11,195)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(45)	(4)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	458	(16,389)	10,712
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	552	16,941	6,229
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,010	552	16,941
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	(288,884)	89,342	(251,879)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	(7,144)	(300,050)	(610,000)
Dividend from affiliates	286,454	269,700	898,400
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	279,310	(30,350)	288,400
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			(17,829)
Debt issuance costs	(2,002)
Dividends to shareholders			(19,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(2,002)		(36,829)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(11,578)	58,992	(308)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	59,752	760	1,068
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	48,174	59,752	760
Intelsat Connect Finance S.A [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	30,297	4,764
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividend from affiliates	286,454
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	286,454
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt issuance costs		(15,562)
Payments on tender, debt exchange and consent transaction	(14)	(259,267)
Capital contribution from parent	7,144	300,050
Dividends to shareholders	(286,454)
Other financing activities	414
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(278,910)	25,221
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	37,837	29,985
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	29,985
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	67,822	29,985
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	699,755	917,923	1,138,747
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	(445,842)	(699,213)	(720,273)
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	(603)		2,064
Investment in subsidiaries	(37,986)	(30,655)	(198)
Dividend from affiliates	13,755	8,980	28,423
Purchase of cost method investment	(25,744)	(4,000)	(25,000)
Proceeds from insurance settlements	49,788
Other investing activities			432
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(446,632)	(724,888)	(714,552)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from drawdown of long-term debt	1,500,000	1,250,000	430,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,500,000)	(328,944)	(479,000)
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing		(364,132)	337,261
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt		(32)
Debt issuance costs	(41,237)	(26,133)
Payments on tender, debt exchange and consent transaction		(34,009)
Other payments for satellites	(35,396)	(18,333)
Capital contribution from parent			250,000
Dividends to shareholders	(286,454)	(269,700)	(898,400)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	(37,186)	(17,429)	(18,405)
Restricted cash for collateral	(15,747)
Other financing activities		1,942	1,600
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(416,020)	193,230	(376,944)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,708	(999)	(925)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(161,189)	385,266	46,326
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	495,225	109,959	63,633
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	334,036	495,225	109,959
Intelsat Jackson Subsidiaries Guarantors [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	778,307	1,506,746	1,629,412
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	(445,842)	(699,213)	(720,273)
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	(603)		2,064
Investment in subsidiaries	(31,486)	(10,955)	(40,444)
Dividend from affiliates	13,755	8,980	28,423
Purchase of cost method investment	(25,744)	(4,000)	(25,000)
Proceeds from insurance settlements	49,788
Other investing activities			432
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(440,132)	(705,188)	(754,798)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing		(12,438)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	(8,724)
Other payments for satellites	(35,396)	(18,333)
Capital contribution from parent	63,023	96,658	86,316
Dividends to shareholders	(477,425)	(524,327)	(916,697)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	(37,186)	(17,429)	(18,405)
Restricted cash for collateral	(1,901)
Other financing activities			1,600
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(497,609)	(475,869)	(847,186)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,714	(991)	(931)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(157,720)	324,698	26,497
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	414,339	89,641	63,144
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	256,619	414,339	89,641
Consolidation and Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities:	(780,309)	(1,510,049)	(1,629,411)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	445,842	699,213	720,273
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	1,206	(364,132)	333,133
Investment in subsidiaries	76,616	347,747	657,997
Dividend from affiliates	(600,418)	(287,660)	(974,246)
Purchase of cost method investment	25,744	4,000	25,000
Proceeds from insurance settlements	(49,788)
Other investing activities			(432)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(100,798)	399,168	761,725
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany loans	(603)
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing		376,570	(335,197)
Debt issuance costs	2,002	3,302
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	8,724
Other payments for satellites	35,396	18,333
Capital contribution from parent	(108,153)	(433,450)	(703,869)
Dividends to shareholders	1,064,088	803,007	1,862,520
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	37,186	17,429	18,405
Restricted cash for collateral	1,901
Other financing activities			(1,601)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,040,541	785,191	840,258
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,714)	992	931
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	157,720	(324,698)	(26,497)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	(414,339)	(89,641)	(63,144)
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ (256,619)	$ (414,339)	$ (89,641)

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 54,744	$ 37,178	$ 35,174
Valuation allowance, Charged to Costs and Expenses	(4,094)	24,591	7,432
Valuation allowance, Deductions	(20,981)	(7,025)	(5,428)
Valuation allowance, Balance at End of Period	$ 29,669	$ 54,744	$ 37,178