Intelsat (INTEQ) 10-Q 5 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	May 03, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-35878
Entity Registrant Name	INTELSAT S.A.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	N4
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-1009418
Entity Address, Address Line One	4, rue Albert Borschette
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	L-1246
Entity Address, City or Town	Luxembourg
Entity Address, Country	LU
City Area Code	27 84
Local Phone Number	1600
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		142,184,518
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Central Index Key	0001525773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 814,688	$ 1,060,917
Restricted cash	26,987	21,130
Receivables, net of allowances of $40,785 in 2020 and $40,984 in 2021	833,637	659,444
Contract assets	48,095	39,774
Inventory	140,603	147,094
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	133,986	136,611
Total current assets	1,997,996	2,064,970
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	4,890,921	4,757,877
Goodwill	2,694,307	2,698,247
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,295,000	2,295,000
Amortizable intangible assets, net	281,589	290,569
Contract assets, net of current portion	81,997	86,017
Other assets	602,926	605,001
Total assets	12,844,736	12,797,681
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	291,389	252,998
Taxes payable	7,871	7,493
Employee related liabilities	45,611	43,404
Accrued interest payable	17,985	17,747
Current maturities of long-term debt	5,906,514	5,903,724
Contract liabilities	762,119	157,320
Deferred satellite performance incentives	52,164	47,377
Other current liabilities	71,597	73,479
Total current liabilities	7,155,250	6,503,542
Contract liabilities, net of current portion	1,022,039	1,447,891
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	135,077	138,116
Deferred income taxes	64,943	61,345
Accrued retirement benefits, net of current portion	124,691	129,837
Other long-term liabilities	261,974	262,900
Liabilities subject to compromise	10,169,260	10,168,518
Shareholders’ deficit:
Common shares, nominal value $0.01 per share	1,422	1,421
Paid-in capital	2,574,563	2,573,840
Accumulated deficit	(8,591,286)	(8,416,410)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(79,353)	(80,322)
Total Intelsat S.A. shareholders’ deficit	(6,094,654)	(5,921,471)
Noncontrolling interest	6,156	7,003
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$ 12,844,736	$ 12,797,681

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	May 20, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance	$ 40,984	$ 40,785		$ 51,061	$ 40,028
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 502,763	$ 458,820
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	165,233	105,085
Selling, general and administrative	102,614	80,967
Depreciation and amortization	165,241	163,048
Impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets	0	12,200
Other operating expense—C-band	58,356	0
Total operating expenses	491,444	361,300
Income from operations	11,319	97,520
Interest expense, net	(132,343)	(318,329)
Other income, net	9,719	2,735
Reorganization items	(55,812)	0
Loss before income taxes	(167,117)	(218,074)
Income tax expense	(7,189)	(141)
Net loss	(174,306)	(218,215)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(570)	(556)
Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$ (174,876)	$ (218,771)
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1,230)	$ (1.55)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1,230)	$ (1.55)

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (174,306)	$ (218,215)
Defined benefit retirement plans:
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrecognized prior service credits, net of tax included in other income, net	(626)	(626)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss, net of tax included in other income, net	1,595	1,274
Other comprehensive income (loss)	969	648
Comprehensive loss	(173,337)	(217,567)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(570)	(556)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$ (173,907)	$ (218,123)

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Deficit - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	Total	Total Intelsat S.A. Shareholders’ Deficit	Total Intelsat S.A. Shareholders’ DeficitCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Common Shares	Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated DeficitCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				141.1
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019		$ (4,999,858)	$ (916)	$ 1,411	$ 2,565,696	$ (7,503,830)	$ (916)	$ (63,135)	$ 11,010
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	$ (218,771)	(218,771)				(218,771)			556
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests									(1,879)
Share-based compensation (in shares)				1
Share-based compensation		981		$ 10	971
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax		648						648
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020				142.1
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020		(5,217,916)		$ 1,421	2,566,667	(7,723,517)		(62,487)	9,687
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020				142.1
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020		(5,921,471)		$ 1,421	2,573,840	(8,416,410)		(80,322)	7,003
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	$ (174,876)	(174,876)				(174,876)			570
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests									(1,417)
Share-based compensation (in shares)				0.1
Share-based compensation		724		$ 1	723
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax		969						969
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021				142.2
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021		$ (6,094,654)		$ 1,422	$ 2,574,563	$ (8,591,286)		$ (79,353)	$ 6,156

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (174,306)	$ (218,215)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	165,241	163,048
Provision for expected credit losses	7,596	19,944
Foreign currency transaction loss	2,592	6,380
Impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets	0	12,200
Share-based compensation	5,924	3,706
Deferred income taxes	1,793	2,181
Amortization of discount, premium, issuance costs and related costs	2,459	11,196
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credits for retirement benefits	1,063	659
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments	0	335
Unrealized (gains) losses on investments and loans held-for-investment	(6,274)	8
Amortization of supplemental type certificate costs	3,301	0
Other non-cash items	(76)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	19,479	(939)
Prepaid expenses, contract and other assets	2,042	19,510
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10,260	14,743
Accrued interest payable	238	(757)
Contract liabilities	(21,969)	(6,916)
Accrued retirement benefits	(5,146)	(3,900)
Other long-term liabilities	(1,810)	(8,906)
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,407	14,277
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (including capitalized interest)	(244,596)	(38,026)
Acquisition of loans held-for-investment	0	(1,150)
Proceeds from principal payments on loans held-for-investment	0	724
Acquisition of intangible assets	(1,085)	0
Other proceeds from satellites	0	5,625
Net cash used in investing activities	(245,681)	(32,827)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	(3,570)	(7,806)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(1,417)	(1,879)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,987)	(9,685)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(2,111)	(2,007)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(240,372)	(30,242)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	1,087,547	830,864
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	847,175	800,622
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for reorganization items included in cash flows from operating activities	33,078	0
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	105,467	282,895
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	475	964
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures	77,029	48,255
Capitalization of deferred satellite performance incentives	5,318	0
Conversion of payment-in-kind interest on loans held-for-investment	$ 1,762	$ 0

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
General	General Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Intelsat S.A. and its subsidiaries (“Intelsat S.A.,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) have not been audited, but are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. References to U.S. GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of these financial statements. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full year or for any future period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report”), on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Use of Estimates The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of these condensed consolidated 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-band Spectrum Clearing On March 3, 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued its final order in the C-band proceeding (the “FCC Final Order”), which, among other things, provides for monetary incentives for fixed satellite services (“FSS”) providers to clear a portion of the C-band spectrum on an accelerated basis (the “Acceleration Payments”). On August 14, 2020, the Company filed its C-band spectrum transition plan with the FCC. On September 17, 2020, the Company announced that it finalized materially all of its required contracts with satellite manufacturers and launch-vehicle providers to move forward and meet the accelerated C-band spectrum clearing timelines established by the FCC. Under the FCC Final Order, the Company is eligible to receive Acceleration Payments of approximately $1.2 billion and $3.7 billion based on the milestone clearing certification dates of December 5, 2021 and December 5, 2023, with the respective payments expected to be received in the first half of each successive year, respectively, subject to the satisfaction of certain deadlines and other conditions. In addition, under the FCC Final Order, we are also entitled to receive reimbursement payments for certain C-band spectrum clearing expenses incurred, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the FCC Final Order. As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we incurred $405.2 million and $606.5 million, respectively, related to expected reimbursable costs associated with the FCC Final Order, which are included within the receivables line item on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Fulfillment costs incurred as a result of the FCC Final Order, which include costs to pay personnel or third parties to assist with customer reconfiguration and relocation, installation of filters, and program management costs, are expensed as incurred and are included within other operating expense—C-band on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Impact of COVID-19 on the Company As a result of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic in 2020 and continuing into 2021, in an effort to safeguard public health, governments around the world, including United States (“U.S.”) federal, state and local governments, implemented a number of orders and restrictions on travel and businesses, among other things. Some of these measures remain in effect and have negatively impacted the U.S. and other economies around the world in the short-term, while the long-term economic impact of COVID-19 remains unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, a trend we expect to continue. Among the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were a reduction of revenue and a decreased likelihood of collection from certain mobility customers. We continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact on our employees, customers, business and results of operations. Bankruptcy Accounting Our consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared as if we are a going concern and reflect the application of ASC 852, Reorganizations (“ASC 852”). ASC 852 requires the financial statements, for periods subsequent to the commencement of our Chapter 11 proceedings, to distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, we classify liabilities and obligations whose treatment and satisfaction are dependent on the outcome of the reorganization under the Chapter 11 proceedings as liabilities subject to compromise on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we classify all income, expenses, gains or losses that are incurred or realized as a result of the Chapter 11 proceedings as reorganization items in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 2—Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 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 fair value. Restricted cash represents legally restricted amounts being held as a compensating balance for certain outstanding letters of credit. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total sum of these amounts reported in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): As of As of Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,060,917 $ 814,688 Restricted cash 21,130 26,987 Restricted cash included in other assets 5,500 5,500 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,087,547 $ 847,175 Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses We provide satellite services and extend credit to numerous customers in the satellite communication, telecommunications and video markets, as well as the airline industry. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for credit losses and anticipated losses. The Company’s methodology to measure the provision for credit losses considers all relevant information, including but not limited to, information about historical collectibility, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. We believe we have adequate customer collateral and reserves to cover our exposure. The following table provides a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): Description Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Accounts Receivable Contract Assets Accounts Receivable Contract Assets Balance at January 1 $ 40,028 $ — $ 40,785 $ 3,889 Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-13 adoption — 916 — — Charged to costs and expenses 19,049 895 6,956 640 Deductions (1) (8,016) — (6,757) — Balance at March 31 $ 51,061 $ 1,811 $ 40,984 $ 4,529 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting For Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). The standard removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intra-period allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. ASU 2019-12 was adopted in the first quarter of 2021. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”). The standard simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts regarding an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2020-06 will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. We are in the process of evaluating the impact that ASU 2020-06 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters	Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters Voluntary Reorganization under Chapter 11 On May 13, 2020, Intelsat S.A. and certain of its subsidiaries (each, a “Debtor” and collectively, the “Debtors”) commenced voluntary cases (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (the “Bankruptcy Court”). Primary factors causing us to file for Chapter 11 protection included the Company’s intention to participate in the accelerated clearing process of C-band spectrum set forth in the FCC Final Order, requiring the Company to incur significant costs related to clearing activities well in advance of receiving reimbursement for such costs and the need for additional financing to fund the C-band clearing process, service our current debt obligations, and meet our operating requirements, as well as the economic slowdown impacting the Company and several of its end markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On August 14, 2020, the Company filed its C-band spectrum transition plan with the FCC. On September 17, 2020, the Company announced that it finalized materially all of its required contracts with satellite manufacturers and launch-vehicle providers to move forward and meet the accelerated C-band spectrum clearing timelines established by the FCC. The Chapter 11 process can be unpredictable and involves significant risks and uncertainties. Pursuant to various orders from the Bankruptcy Court, the Debtors have received approval from the Bankruptcy Court to generally maintain their ordinary operations and uphold certain commitments to their stakeholders, including employees, customers, and vendors, during the restructuring process, subject to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Our ability to fund operating expenses may be subject to obtaining further approvals from the Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases. On June 9, 2020, Intelsat Jackson received approval from the Bankruptcy Court (the “DIP Order”) to enter into a non-amortizing multiple draw superpriority secured debtor-in-possession term loan facility (the “DIP Facility”), in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion on the terms and conditions as set forth in the DIP Facility credit agreement (the “DIP Credit Agreement”) with certain of the Debtors’ prepetition secured parties (the “DIP Lenders”), and on June 17, 2020, Intelsat Jackson and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors (together with Intelsat Jackson, the “DIP Debtors”) entered into the DIP Credit Agreement with the DIP Lenders, as amended by an amendment (“DIP Amendment No. 1”) to the DIP Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, and as further amended by a second amendment (“DIP Amendment No. 2”) to the DIP Credit Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2020. For additional information regarding the DIP Facility, DIP Credit Agreement, DIP Amendment No. 1 and DIP Amendment No. 2, see Note 12—Debt. On July 11, 2020, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court schedules and statements setting forth, among other things, the assets and liabilities of each of the Debtors, subject to the assumptions filed in connection therewith. These schedules and statements may be subject to further amendment or modification after filing. On February 11, 2021, the Debtors entered into a plan support agreement (together with all exhibits and schedules thereto, the “PSA”) with certain of the Debtors’ prepetition secured and unsecured creditors (the “Consenting Creditors” and together with the Debtors, the “PSA Parties”). The PSA contains certain covenants on the part of the PSA Parties, including but not limited to the Consenting Creditors voting in favor of the Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Intelsat S.A. and Its Debtor Affiliates (as proposed, the “Plan”), and provides that the Debtors shall achieve certain milestones (unless extended or waived in writing). In connection with the PSA, on February 12, 2021, the Debtors filed the Plan and the Disclosure Statement for the Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Intelsat S.A. and Its Debtor Affiliates (the “Disclosure Statement”), which describes a variety of topics related to the Chapter 11 Cases, including (i) events leading to the Chapter 11 Cases; (ii) significant events that took place during the Chapter 11 Cases; (iii) certain terms of the Plan; and (iv) certain anticipated risk factors associated with, and anticipated consequences of the Plan. The Bankruptcy Court is currently scheduled to determine the adequacy of the Disclosure Statement in the second quarter of 2021. The filing of the Chapter 11 Cases constituted an event of default that accelerated substantially all of our obligations under the documents governing the prepetition existing indebtedness of Intelsat S.A., Intelsat Luxembourg, Intelsat Connect and Intelsat Jackson. For additional discussion regarding the impact of the Chapter 11 Cases on our debt obligations, see Note 12—Debt. While the Chapter 11 Cases are pending, the Debtors do not anticipate making interest payments due under their respective unsecured debt instruments; however, the Debtors expect to make monthly interest payments on their senior secured debt instruments pursuant to the adequate protection requirements under the DIP Order. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the contractual interest expense pursuant to our unsecured debt instruments that was not recognized in our condensed consolidated statement of operations was $192.3 million. Delisting of Intelsat S.A. Common Shares On May 20, 2020, the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) filed a Form 25 with the SEC to delist the Company’s common shares, $0.01 par value from the NYSE. The delisting became effective 10 days after the Form 25 was filed. The deregistration of the common shares under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) became effective 90 days after the filing date of the Form 25. The common shares remain registered under Section 12(g) and Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s common shares began trading on the OTC Pink Marketplace on May 19, 2020 under the symbol “INTEQ.” Liabilities Subject to Compromise Prepetition unsecured liabilities of the Debtors subject to compromise under the Chapter 11 proceedings have been distinguished from secured liabilities that are not expected to be compromised and post-petition liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Liabilities subject to compromise have been recorded at the amounts expected to be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court. The ultimate settlement amounts of these liabilities remain at the discretion of the Bankruptcy Court and may vary from the expected allowed amounts. Liabilities subject to compromise consisted of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accounts payable $ 9,545 $ 10,563 Debt subject to comprise 9,782,161 9,782,161 Accrued interest on debt subject to compromise 341,676 341,676 Other long-term liabilities subject to compromise 35,136 34,860 Total liabilities subject to compromise $ 10,168,518 $ 10,169,260 Reorganization Items The expenses, gains and losses directly and incrementally resulting from the Chapter 11 Cases are separately reported as reorganization items in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. Reorganization items consisted of the following (in thousands): Three Months Ended Professional fees $ 55,782 Other reorganization costs 30 Total reorganization items $ 55,812 Going Concern Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. In connection with the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements, we conducted an evaluation as to whether there were conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raised substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. As reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $814.7 million and an accumulated deficit of $8.6 billion as of March 31, 2021. The Company generated income from operations of $11.3 million and a net loss of $174.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. In light of the Company’s Chapter 11 proceedings, our ability to continue as a going concern is contingent upon, among other things, our ability to, subject to the Bankruptcy Court’s approval, implement a business plan of reorganization, emerge from the Chapter 11 proceedings and generate sufficient liquidity following the reorganization to meet our contractual obligations and operating needs. As a result of risks and uncertainties related to, among other things, (i) the Company’s ability to obtain requisite support for the business plan of reorganization from various stakeholders, and (ii) the disruptive effects of the Chapter 11 proceedings on our business making it potentially more difficult to maintain business, financing and operational relationships, substantial doubt exists regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. The filing of the Chapter 11 Cases constituted an event of default that accelerated substantially all of our obligations under the documents governing the prepetition existing indebtedness of Intelsat S.A., Intelsat Luxembourg, Intelsat Connect and Intelsat Jackson. As such, we have reclassified all such debt obligations, other than debt subject to compromise, to current maturities of long-term debt on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021. For additional discussion regarding the impact of the Chapter 11 Cases on our debt obligations, see Note 12—Debt. Our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

Acquisition of Gogo Commercial

Acquisition of Gogo Commercial Aviation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of Gogo Commercial Aviation	Acquisition of Gogo Commercial Aviation On August 31, 2020, following approval from the Bankruptcy Court, Intelsat Jackson and Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO), a Delaware corporation (“Gogo”), entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with respect to Gogo’s commercial aviation business, consisting of all of the equity interests of Gogo LLC and Gogo International Holdings LLC (collectively known as “Gogo CA”), for $400.0 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. On December 1, 2020, Intelsat Jackson completed the acquisition pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Gogo Transaction”). Upon completion of the acquisition, the entities comprising the Gogo CA business became indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Intelsat S.A. Gogo CA is one of the largest global providers of in-flight broadband connectivity. The acquisition of Gogo CA brings together two complementary enterprises – one of the world’s largest satellite operators with a leading provider of commercial in-flight broadband and entertainment services, to deliver innovation and long-term value to commercial airlines. The Company accounted for the business combination in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The Company recorded the acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting and recognized assets and liabilities at their fair value as of the date of acquisition. The Company based the preliminary allocation of the purchase price on estimates and assumptions known at the date of acquisition that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period, which is generally one year from the acquisition date. The net payment associated with the transaction was $386.4 million, which represents total cash consideration of $400.0 million, adjusted for estimated closing cash, indebtedness, working capital excess and any transaction expenses. The primary difference between the net payment and purchase consideration of $409.1 million was the settlement of a pre-existing relationship that was favorable to Intelsat S.A. The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase consideration to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date, based on estimated fair values both as disclosed in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report and as adjusted for measurement period adjustments identified during the first quarter of 2021 (in thousands): Purchase Price Allocation As of Measurement Period Adjustments As of Assets acquired Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,867 $ — $ 9,867 Receivables, net of allowances 52,849 138 52,987 Inventory 144,014 (5,619) 138,395 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 36,140 — 36,140 Property and equipment 41,328 8,081 49,409 Amortizable intangible assets Software 45,464 — 45,464 Trade name 1,000 — 1,000 Goodwill 77,620 (3,940) 73,680 Other assets Supplemental type certificates 24,253 48 24,301 Line fit certificates 21,776 — 21,776 Other assets 100,566 — 100,566 Total assets acquired 554,877 (1,292) 553,585 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (63,300) 779 (62,521) Contract liabilities (13,527) 513 (13,014) Other current liabilities (25,472) — (25,472) Noncurrent liabilities (43,522) — (43,522) Total liabilities assumed (145,821) 1,292 (144,529) Total purchase consideration $ 409,056 $ — $ 409,056 The fair value estimates of the net assets acquired are based upon calculations and valuations, and estimates and assumptions regarding certain tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The excess of the total consideration over the tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill represents expected synergies in mobility services and connectivity, $63.0 million of which is deductible for tax purposes. The measurement period adjustments decreased the provisionally recognized goodwill by $3.9 million and have been recognized prospectively, which primarily relate to an $8.1 million adjustment in the provisional value of property and equipment and a $5.6 million adjustment in the provisional value of inventory as a result of additional information obtained during the quarter. These adjustments did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations or cash flows in any periods previously reported. Gogo CA contributed $56.2 million of revenue and $39.4 million of net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 , which were included in our condensed consolidated statements of operations . If the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2020, our unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss would have been $564.2 million and $294.2 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is disclosed for illustrative purposes only, and does not purport to represent what the results of operations would actually have been if the business combination occurred as of the dates indicated or what the results would be for any future periods. Acquisition-related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 amounted to $3.4 million, with no comparable amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2020, which were included within selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Share Capital

Share Capital	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Share Capital	Share CapitalUnder 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 March 31, 2021, there were approximately 142.2 million common shares issued and outstanding.

Revenue

Revenue	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	Revenue (a) Contract Liabilities As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we had contract liabilities of $405.2 million and $606.5 million, respectively, related to reimbursable costs associated with the FCC Final Order. As of December 31, 2020, these amounts were included within contract liabilities, net of current portion, and as of March 31, 2021, these amounts were included within contract liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, we recognized revenue of $86.1 million and $90.4 million, respectively, that was included in the contract liability balances as of January 1, 2020 and 2021, respectively. (b) Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Customer Contract For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, we capitalized $1.1 million and $2.7 million for costs to obtain a customer contract, respectively, and amortized $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, capitalized costs to obtain a customer contract amounted to $10.4 million and $11.8 million, respectively, and were included within other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (c) Remaining Performance Obligations Our remaining performance obligation is our expected future revenue under our existing customer contracts and includes both cancelable and non-cancelable contracts. Our remaining performance obligation was approximately $5.8 billion as of March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining customer contract life was approximately 3.8 years. Approximately 38%, 25%, and 37% of our total remaining performance obligation as of March 31, 2021 is expected to be recognized as revenue during 2021 and 2022, 2023 and 2024, and 2025 and thereafter, respectively. The amount included in the remaining performance obligation represents the full-service charge for the duration of the contract and does not include termination fees. The amount of the termination fees, which is not included in the remaining performance obligation amount, is generally calculated as a percentage of the remaining performance obligation associated with the contract. In certain cases of breach for non-payment or customer financial distress or bankruptcy, we may not be able to recover the full value of certain contracts or termination fees. Our remaining performance obligation includes 100% of the remaining performance obligation of our consolidated ownership interests, which is consistent with the accounting for our ownership interest in these entities. (d) Business and Geographic Segment Information We operate in a single industry segment in which we provide satellite and other communications services to our customers around the world. Our revenues are disaggregated by billing region, service type and customer set. 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 U.S. Gogo CA revenues are allocated to the geographic location where the airline customer is domiciled. The following table disaggregates revenue by billing region (in thousands, except percentages): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended North America $ 235,005 51 % $ 285,242 57 % Europe 53,938 12 % 52,637 10 % Latin America and Caribbean 51,475 11 % 49,706 10 % Africa and Middle East 61,902 13 % 55,921 11 % Asia-Pacific 56,500 12 % 59,257 12 % Total $ 458,820 $ 502,763 The following table disaggregates revenue by type of service (in thousands, except percentages): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended On-Network Revenues Transponder services $ 331,334 72 % $ 325,110 65 % Managed services 72,261 16 % 69,626 14 % Channel 426 — % 194 — % Total on-network revenues 404,021 88 % 394,930 79 % Off-Network and Other Revenues Transponder, MSS and other off-network services 43,688 10 % 42,595 8 % Satellite-related services 11,111 2 % 9,006 2 % Total off-network and other revenues 54,799 12 % 51,601 10 % In-flight Services Revenues Services — 44,711 9 % Equipment — 11,521 2 % Total in-flight services revenue — 56,232 11 % Total $ 458,820 $ 502,763 The following table disaggregates revenue by type of customer application (in thousands, except percentages): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Network services $ 149,378 33 % $ 213,969 43% Media 205,830 45 % 184,953 37% Government 95,752 21 % 97,913 19% Satellite-related services 7,860 1 % 5,928 1% Total $ 458,820 $ 502,763 Our largest customer accounted for approximately 15% and 11% of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 42% and 37% of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Net Loss per Share

Net Loss per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss per Share	Net Loss per Share Basic net loss per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A. (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.’s common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. Diluted EPS assumes the issuance of common shares pursuant to share-based compensation plans and conversion of the Intelsat S.A. 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Convertible Notes”), unless the effect of such issuances would be anti-dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share data or where otherwise noted): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Numerator: Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (218,771) $ (174,876) Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 141.5 142.2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 141.5 142.2 Basic EPS $ (1.55) $ (1.23) Diluted EPS $ (1.55) $ (1.23) In June 2018, Intelsat S.A. completed an offering of $402.5 million aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Convertible Notes. We do not expect to settle the principal amount of the 2025 Convertible Notes in cash, and therefore use the if-converted method for calculating any potential dilutive effect of the conversion on diluted EPS, if applicable. Under the indenture governing the 2025 Convertible Notes (the “2025 Indenture”), the 2025 Convertible Notes are eligible for conversion depending upon the trading price of our common shares and under other conditions set forth in the indenture until December 15, 2024, and thereafter without regard to any conditions. The commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases constituted an event of default under the 2025 Indenture. See Note 12—Debt for additional information on the impact of the Chapter 11 Cases on our debt obligations. Due to a net loss for each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, there were no dilutive securities, and therefore, basic and diluted EPS were the same. The weighted average number of common shares that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future was 22.7 million and 22.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively, primarily consisting of the 2025 Convertible Notes.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“ASC 820”) defines fair value, establishes a market-based framework or hierarchy for measuring fair value and provides for certain required disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance is applicable whenever another accounting pronouncement requires or permits assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not require any new fair value measurements. 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. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The tables below present assets measured and recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their corresponding level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands). No transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements occurred for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020 Description As of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Marketable securities (1) $ 5,205 $ 5,205 $ — $ — Common stock warrant (2) 3,239 — — 3,239 Total assets $ 8,444 $ 5,205 $ — $ 3,239 Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2021 Description As of March 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Marketable securities (1) $ 5,317 $ 5,317 $ — $ — Common stock warrant (2) 8,562 — — 8,562 Total assets $ 13,879 $ 5,317 $ — $ 8,562 (1) The valuation measurement inputs of these marketable securities represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and, accordingly, we have classified such investments as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. The cost basis of our marketable securities was $4.0 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. We sold nominal amounts of marketable securities resulting in a nominal gain during each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021. These amounts are included in other income, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. (2) We valued the common stock warrant using a valuation technique that reflects the risk-free interest rate, time to maturity, volatility of comparable companies, and the expected transaction price and impact on this asset that may result from a potential merger or acquisition transaction. We identified the inputs used to calculate the fair value as Level 3 inputs and concluded that the valuation in its entirety is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents a reconciliation of the common stock warrant, which is measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs (in thousands): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Balance as of beginning of period $ 3,239 $ 3,239 Unrealized gain included in other income, net — 5,323 Balance as of end of period $ 3,239 $ 8,562 Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements The carrying values of certain assets may be adjusted to fair value in subsequent periods on a nonrecurring basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the asset is impaired or, for investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values, observable transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer support a change in the investment fair value. During the first quarter of 2020, we recognized an impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets of $12.2 million. This fair value measurement is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy due to the use of significant unobservable inputs. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information. Other Fair Value Disclosures

Retirement Plans and Other Reti

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits	Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (a) Pension and Other Postretirement 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 2015, we amended the defined benefit retirement plan to end the accrual of additional benefits for the remaining active participants. We have received authorization from the Bankruptcy Court to continue making contributions in the ordinary course during our Chapter 11 Cases. 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 years. The impact on the funded status is determined based upon market conditions in effect when we completed our annual valuation. Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2021 was $112.8 million ($81.2 million, net of tax) that has not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. The tables below show the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021 (in thousands). These amounts are recognized in other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Pension Benefits Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Interest cost $ 2,962 $ 2,030 Expected return on plan assets (5,810) (5,592) Amortization of unrecognized net loss 1,600 2,046 Net periodic benefit income $ (1,248) $ (1,516) Other Postretirement Benefits Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Interest cost $ 266 $ 149 Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits (636) (636) Amortization of unrecognized net gain (305) (347) Net periodic benefit income $ (675) $ (834) (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 have received authorization from the Bankruptcy Court to continue making our contributions in the ordinary course during the Chapter 11 Cases. We recognized compensation expense for this plan of $2.3 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. We also maintain other defined contribution retirement plans in several non-U.S. jurisdictions, but such plans are not material to our financial position or results of operations.

Satellites and Other Property a

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	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 As of Satellites and launch vehicles $ 10,500,021 $ 10,748,817 Information systems and ground segment 1,062,216 1,075,357 Buildings and other 322,093 326,599 Total cost 11,884,330 12,150,773 Less: accumulated depreciation (7,126,453) (7,259,852) Total $ 4,757,877 $ 4,890,921 Satellites and other property and equipment are stated at historical cost, except for satellites that have been impaired. Satellites and other property and equipment acquired as part of an acquisition are stated based on their fair value at the date of acquisition. Satellites and other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, included construction-in-progress of $768.6 million and $857.2 million, respectively. These amounts relate primarily to satellites under construction and related launch services. As of March 31, 2021, we incurred C-band clearing related costs and expenses of $724.7 million, of which $632.7 million was capitalized. Of this capitalized amount, $604.0 million and $28.7 million was capitalized as satellites and other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, and other current assets, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. An estimated $619.5 million of the capitalized costs is expected to be reimbursable under the FCC Final Order. Interest costs of $4.0 million and $16.0 million were capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense was $154.4 million and $154.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. We have entered into launch contracts for the launch of both specified and unspecified future satellites. Each of these launch contracts 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) Satellite Launches

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments We have an ownership interest in two entities that meet the criteria of a variable interest entity (“VIE”): Horizons Satellite Holdings LLC (“Horizons Holdings”) and Horizons-3 Satellite LLC (“Horizons 3”), which are discussed in further detail below, including our analyses of the primary beneficiary determination as required under ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). We also own noncontrolling investments in equity securities and loan receivables as discussed further below. (a) Horizons Holdings Horizons Holdings is a joint venture with JSAT International, Inc. (“JSAT”) that consists of two investments: Horizons-1 Satellite LLC and Horizons-2 Satellite LLC. Horizons Holdings borrowed from JSAT a portion of the funds necessary to finance the construction of the Horizons 2 satellite pursuant to a loan agreement. The borrowing was subsequently repaid. We provide certain services to the joint venture and in return utilize capacity from the joint venture. We have determined that this joint venture meets the criteria of a VIE under 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 ASC 810, as the primary beneficiary, we consolidate Horizons Holdings within our condensed consolidated financial statements. Total assets of Horizons Holdings were $14.2 million and $13.9 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. Total liabilities were nominal as of December 31, 2020 and $1.6 million as of March 31, 2021. 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 $1.8 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. (b) Horizons-3 Satellite LLC On November 4, 2015, we entered into an additional joint venture agreement with JSAT. The joint venture, Horizons 3, was formed for the purpose of developing, launching, managing, operating and owning a high-performance satellite located at the 169ºE orbital location. Horizons 3, which is 50% owned by each of Intelsat and JSAT, was set up with joint sharing 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 3e 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. Amounts payable to JSAT related to the revenue sharing agreement, net of applicable fees and commissions, from the Horizons 3e satellite were $5.0 million and $7.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. We have determined that this joint venture meets the criteria of a VIE under 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets, is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The investment balance, which is equivalent to our maximum exposure to loss, was $103.8 million and $103.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. The investment balance exceeded our equity in the net assets of Horizons 3 by $10.9 million and $10.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. This basis difference represents the capitalized interest that we incurred in relation to financing our investment, and we recognize it as a reduction of our equity in earnings of Horizons 3 on a straight-line basis over the life of the satellite. We recognized a nominal amount of equity in losses of Horizons 3 in other income, net for each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021. 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 $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 with no comparable amounts during the three months ended March 31, 2021. We received distributions of $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 with no comparable amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company utilizes the cumulative earnings approach to determine whether distributions received from equity method investees are returns on investment or returns of investment. 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 interest 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 holds the FCC license required for the joint venture’s operations. The Horizons 3e satellite entered into service in January 2019. The Company purchases satellite capacity and related services from the Horizons 3 joint venture, and then sells that capacity to its customers. We incurred direct costs of revenue related to these purchases of $5.0 million and $4.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. The Company also sells managed ground network services to the Horizons 3 joint venture and provides program management services for a fee. We recorded an offset to direct costs of revenue related to the provision of these services of $1.8 million and $1.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. On the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021, $0.5 million due from Horizons 3 was included in receivables with no comparable amount as of December 31, 2020, and $1.5 million due to Horizons 3 was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of both December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021. (c) Investments in Equity Securities The Company holds noncontrolling equity investments in six separate privately held companies, including investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values and common stock warrants. In accordance with ASC 321, Investments—Equity Securities , we use the measurement alternative to measure the fair value of our investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values. Accordingly, these investments are measured at cost, less any impairment, and are adjusted for changes in fair value resulting from observable transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. These investments were recorded in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and had a total carrying value of $31.9 million as of both December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021. We measure our stock warrants at fair value and recognized an increase in fair value of stock warrants of $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 with no comparable amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (see Note 7—Fair Value Measurements and Note 13—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information). The warrants were recorded in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and had a cumulative fair value of $3.2 million and $8.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. (d) Loan Receivables The Company has loan receivables from three privately held companies that it is holding for long-term investment. These loan receivables are reported at amortized cost, net of the allowance for credit losses. Amortized cost is the outstanding principal, adjusted for unamortized discounts and deferred transaction costs. The Company recognizes interest income on loan receivables using the effective-interest method applied on a loan-by-loan basis. Direct costs associated with originating loans are offset against any related fees received and the balance, along with any premium or discount, is deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the term of the related loan receivable using the effective interest method. Loan receivables were recorded in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets at an amortized cost basis of $71.2 million and $73.4 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. These amounts were net of unamortized discount of $0.7 million and $0.1 million, and unamortized deferred transaction costs of $0.2 million and a nominal amount, as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of accrued interest related to our loan receivables was recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We recognized interest income related to our loan receivables of $0.9 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. A loan is determined to be impaired and placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s judgment based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the applicable loan agreement. We did not recognize any impairment losses related to loan receivables during either of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021. The fair value of loan receivables is evaluated on a loan-by-loan basis, and is determined based on assessments of discounted cash flows that are considered probable of collection. We consider these inputs to be Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820. The cumulative fair value of our loan receivables as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 was $72.9 million and $74.4 million, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (a) Goodwill As a result of the Gogo Transaction, we provisionally recognized goodwill of $77.6 million as of December 1, 2020, which was subsequently decreased by $3.9 million as a result of measurement period adjustments during the first quarter of 2021. See Note 3—Acquisition of Gogo Commercial Aviation for additional discussion. The carrying amounts of goodwill consisted of the following (in thousands): As of As of Goodwill $ 6,858,447 $ 6,854,507 Accumulated impairment losses (4,160,200) (4,160,200) Net carrying amount $ 2,698,247 $ 2,694,307 (b) Orbital Locations, Trade Name and Other Intangible Assets Orbital Locations and Trade Name. During the first quarter of 2020, we recognized an impairment of our trade name intangible asset of $12.2 million, which is included within impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The carrying amounts of acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): As of As of Orbital locations $ 2,250,000 $ 2,250,000 Trade name 45,000 45,000 Total non-amortizable intangible assets $ 2,295,000 $ 2,295,000 Other Intangible Assets. The carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying Backlog and other $ 744,760 $ (722,697) $ 22,063 $ 744,760 $ (724,862) $ 19,898 Customer relationships 534,030 (309,486) 224,544 534,030 (314,602) 219,428 Software 45,808 (1,846) 43,962 46,892 (4,629) 42,263 Total $ 1,324,598 $ (1,034,029) $ 290,569 $ 1,325,682 $ (1,044,093) $ 281,589 Intangible assets are amortized based on the expected pattern of consumption. Amortization expense was $7.8 million and $10.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt As discussed in Note 2—Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters, the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases constituted an event of default that accelerated substantially all of our obligations under the documents governing the prepetition existing indebtedness of Intelsat S.A., Intelsat Luxembourg, Intelsat Connect and Intelsat Jackson. As such, we have reclassified all such debt obligations, other than debt subject to compromise, to current maturities of long-term debt on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. Any efforts to enforce payment obligations related to the acceleration of our debt have been automatically stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, and the creditors’ rights of enforcement are subject to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. While the Chapter 11 Cases are pending, the Debtors do not anticipate making interest payments due under their respective unsecured debt instruments; however, the Debtors expect to make monthly interest payments on their senior secured debt instruments pursuant to the adequate protection requirements under the DIP Order. The carrying values and fair values of our notes payable and debt were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Intelsat S.A.: 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2025 (1) $ 402,500 $ 130,813 $ 402,500 $ 130,813 As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes — — — — Total Intelsat S.A. obligations 402,500 130,813 402,500 130,813 Intelsat Luxembourg: 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 (1) 421,219 14,743 421,219 8,424 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.75% Senior Notes — — — — 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 (1) 1,000,000 130,000 1,000,000 170,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes — — — — 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 (1) 403,350 42,352 403,350 62,519 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — — — Total Intelsat Luxembourg obligations 1,824,569 187,095 1,824,569 240,943 Intelsat Connect Finance: 9.5% Senior Notes due February 2023 (1) 1,250,000 334,375 1,250,000 437,500 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 9.5% Senior Notes — — — — Total Intelsat Connect Finance obligations 1,250,000 334,375 1,250,000 437,500 Intelsat Jackson: 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 490,000 543,900 490,000 582,488 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (7,495) — (6,507) — 8% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024 1,349,678 1,373,297 1,349,678 1,396,917 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 8% Senior Secured Notes (3,072) — (2,854) — 5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 (1) 1,985,000 1,349,800 1,985,000 1,210,850 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 5.5% Senior Notes — — — — 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 (1) 1,885,000 1,347,775 1,885,000 1,168,700 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 9.75% Senior Notes — — — — 8.5% Senior Notes due October 2024 (1) 2,950,000 2,079,750 2,950,000 1,858,500 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 8.5% Senior Notes — — — — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due November 2023 2,000,000 2,025,000 2,000,000 2,030,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (16,955) — (15,628) — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due January 2024 395,000 400,925 395,000 401,913 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (1,238) — (1,145) — 6.625% Senior Secured Credit Facilities due January 2024 700,000 714,000 700,000 712,250 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (2,194) — (2,030) — Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 1,000,000 1,011,250 1,000,000 1,011,250 Total Intelsat Jackson obligations 12,723,724 10,845,697 12,726,514 10,372,868 Eliminations: 8.125% Senior Notes of Intelsat Luxembourg due June 2023 owned by Intelsat Jackson (1) (111,663) (14,517) (111,663) (62,504) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes — — — — As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value 12.5% Senior Notes of Intelsat Luxembourg due November 2024 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance, Intelsat Jackson and Intelsat Envision (1) (403,245) (42,341) (403,245) (18,983) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — — — Total eliminations: (514,908) (56,858) (514,908) (81,487) Total Intelsat S.A. debt 15,685,885 11,441,122 15,688,675 11,100,637 Less: current maturities of long-term debt 5,903,724 6,068,372 5,906,514 6,134,818 Less: debt included in liabilities subject to compromise 9,782,161 5,372,750 9,782,161 4,965,819 Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) In connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, these balances have been reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. As of April 15, 2020, the Company ceased making principal and interest payments, and as of May 13, 2020 ceased accruing interest expense in relation to this long-term debt that was reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise. The fair value for publicly traded instruments is determined using quoted market prices, and the fair value for non-publicly traded instruments is based upon composite pricing from a variety of sources, including market leading data providers, market makers and leading brokerage firms. Substantially all of the inputs used to determine the fair value of our debt are classified as Level 1 inputs within the fair value hierarchy from ASC 820, except our senior secured credit facilities and our 2025 Convertible Notes, the inputs for which are classified as Level 2, and Intelsat Luxembourg’s 8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 and 12.5% Senior Notes due 2024, the inputs for which are classified as Level 3. While the Company’s Chapter 11 proceedings remain ongoing, trading and fair value pricing may be more volatile and limited. Intelsat Jackson Superpriority Secured Debtor-in-Possession Term Loan Facility On June 17, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), the DIP Debtors and DIP Lenders entered into the DIP Credit Agreement, a non-amortizing multiple draw superpriority secured debtor-in-possession term loan facility, in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion, on the terms and conditions set forth therein. See Note 2—Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters. Intelsat Jackson borrowed $500.0 million of term loans under the DIP Facility on the Closing Date. Under the DIP Facility, Intelsat Jackson may, at its sole discretion, make incremental draws of the lesser of $250.0 million and the remaining available commitments of the DIP Lenders. Intelsat Jackson made two additional draws of $250.0 million each on November 27, 2020 and December 14, 2020, bringing the total aggregate principal amount outstanding under the DIP Facility to $1.0 billion as of both December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Drawn amounts under the DIP Facility bear interest at either (i) 4.5% per annum plus a base rate of the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus ½ of 1.00%, (b) the Prime Rate as in effect on such day and (c) the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR Rate”) for a one-month interest period on such day (or if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day) plus 1.0%, or (ii) 5.5% plus the LIBOR Rate. For purposes of the DIP Facility, the LIBOR Rate has an effective floor rate of 1.0%. Undrawn amounts under the DIP Facility shall be subject to a ticking fee of 3.6% of the amount of commitments of the DIP Lenders from the entry of the DIP Order until such commitments terminate, which ticking fee shall be payable on the last day of each fiscal quarter prior to the date such commitments terminate and on the date of such termination. If an event of default under the DIP Facility occurs, the overdue amounts under the DIP Facility would bear interest at an additional 2.0% per annum above the interest rate otherwise applicable. The proceeds of the DIP Facility may be used, among other things, to pay for (i) working capital needs of the DIP Debtors in the ordinary course of business, (ii) potential C-band relocation costs, (iii) investment and other general corporate purposes, and (iv) the costs and expenses of administering the Chapter 11 Cases. The maturity date of the DIP Facility is July 13, 2021, subject to certain extensions pursuant to the terms of the DIP Credit Agreement. The DIP Credit Agreement includes customary negative covenants for debtor-in-possession loan agreements of this type, including covenants limiting the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments, loans or advances, engage in mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and acquisitions, pay dividends and distributions and make payments in respect of junior or prepetition indebtedness, in each case subject to customary exceptions for debtor-in-possession loan agreements of this type. The DIP Credit Agreement also includes certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default, including, but not limited to, payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, certain events under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and change of control. Certain bankruptcy-related events are also events of default, including, but not limited to, the dismissal by the Bankruptcy Court of any of the Chapter 11 Cases, the conversion of any of the Chapter 11 Cases to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code and certain other events related to the impairment of the DIP Lenders’ rights or liens granted under the DIP Credit Agreement. On August 24, 2020, the DIP Debtors and DIP Lenders entered into DIP Amendment No. 1 to the DIP Credit Agreement, and on November 25, 2020, the DIP Debtors and DIP Lenders entered into DIP Amendment No. 2 to the DIP Credit Agreement, each in connection with the Gogo Transaction (see Note 2—Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters for additional information). The foregoing descriptions of the DIP Credit Agreement, DIP Amendment No. 1 and DIP Amendment No. 2 do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the DIP Credit Agreement, DIP Amendment No. 1 and DIP Amendment No. 2, as applicable.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Interest Rate Cap Contracts As of December 31, 2020, we held interest rate cap contracts with an aggregate notional value of $2.4 billion that matured in February 2021. The fair value of the interest rate cap contracts as of December 31, 2020 was zero. These interest rate cap contracts, which were entered into in 2017 and amended in 2018, were designed to mitigate our risk of interest rate increases on the floating rate portion of our senior secured credit facilities (see Note 12—Debt). The contracts were not designated for hedge accounting treatment in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), and the changes in fair value of these instruments, net of payments received, were recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations during the period of change. Common Stock Warrant During 2019, we were issued a warrant to purchase common shares of an investment. We concluded that the warrant is a free-standing derivative in accordance with ASC 815. The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives by category (in thousands): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Classification As of As of Common stock warrant Other assets $ 3,239 $ 8,562 The following table sets forth the effect of the derivative instruments in our condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Classification Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Interest rate cap contracts Loss included in interest expense, net $ (335) $ — Common stock warrant Gain included in other income, net — 5,323 Total (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments $ (335) $ 5,323

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes 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. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCR Act”) was enacted, and on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted. The FFCR Act and the CARES Act contain numerous income tax provisions, such as increasing the 30 percent adjusted taxable income threshold to 50 percent for taxable years beginning in 2019 and 2020 for purposes of determining allowable business interest expense deductions. The CARES Act repeals the 80 percent limitation for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2021 (enacted by the U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act (the “Act”)), and it further specifies that net operating losses arising in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2021, are allowed as a carryback to each of the five taxable years preceding the taxable year of such losses. Modifications to the tax rules for the carryback of net operating losses and business interest limitations resulted in a federal tax refund of approximately $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. In addition, the CARES Act includes refundable payroll tax credits and deferral of employment side social security payments. As of March 31, 2021, Intelsat’s payroll deferral amount was approximately $6.8 million. The majority of our operations are located in taxable jurisdictions, including Luxembourg, the U.S. and the United Kingdom (“UK”). 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 cumulative net operating losses generated in Luxembourg. The difference between tax expense (benefit) reported in the condensed 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 U.S. and the UK, as well as withholding taxes on revenue earned in some of the foreign markets in which we operate, benefits recorded in 2020 from impacts of the CARES Act and a tax reserve established on certain tax benefits taken on the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”). As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, our gross unrecognized tax benefits were $51.4 million and $53.8 million, respectively (including interest and penalties), of which $47.6 million and $49.9 million, respectively, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we had recorded reserves for interest and penalties in the amount of $0.8 million and $1.0 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, 2020, the change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits has consisted of an increase of $1.6 million related to current tax positions, and an increase of $0.8 million related to prior tax positions. 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 U.S., the UK and Brazil to be our significant tax jurisdictions. Our subsidiaries in these jurisdictions are subject to income tax examination for periods after December 31, 2015. 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 within the next twelve months. During 2019, the Company made payments to the government of India in the amount of $7.0 million with respect to ongoing administrative proceedings. We believe it is more likely than not that the positions which we have presented in these matters will result in a favorable outcome for the Company. As a result, the payments have been recorded in taxes receivable. Effective January 31, 2020, the UK formally exited the European Union (“EU”). As a result of the withdrawal, existing tax reliefs and exemptions on intra-European transactions will likely cease to apply to transactions between UK entities and EU entities. In addition, transactions with non-EU countries, such as the U.S., may also be affected. As of March 31, 2021, all relevant tax laws and treaties remained unchanged and the tax consequences were unknown. Therefore, we have not recognized any impacts of the withdrawal in the income tax provision as of March 31, 2021. We will recognize any impacts to the tax provision when changes in tax laws or treaties between the UK and the EU or individual EU member states are enacted. On December 2, 2019, the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service released final regulations with respect to the BEAT as enacted by the Act. These regulations represent the final version of proposed regulations which were released in December 2018. The BEAT is a minimum tax established by the Act, which was signed into law in December 2017, that subjects certain payments made by U.S. corporations or subsidiaries to foreign related parties to a secondary federal income tax regime in the U.S. The final regulations clarify which taxpayers are subject to the BEAT and how the BEAT rules apply to certain payments and transactions. We have adopted the final BEAT regulations as of the release date. These regulations are effective for the Company as of its tax year ended December 31, 2018. A second set of final regulations was issued on September 1, 2020, addressing among other topics, the application of the BEAT to partnerships and the application of the effectively connected income exception to depreciable or amortizable property contributed to a U.S. partnership by a foreign partner. Similar to the first set of final regulations issued in December 2019, the second set of final regulations are effective for the Company as of its tax year ended December 31, 2018. The Company recognized the BEAT tax impact associated with the second set of final regulations related to its tax year ended December 31, 2020 and three months ended March 31, 2021 in the amount of $8.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies On May 13, 2020, Intelsat S.A. and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. As a result of such bankruptcy filings, substantially all proceedings pending against the Debtors have been stayed and prepetition liabilities are subject to compromise. See Note 2—Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters. SES Claim On July 14, 2020, SES Americom, Inc. (“SES”) filed a proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Court in the amount of $1.8 billion against each of the Debtors. SES asserts that the Debtors owe money (or will owe money) to SES pursuant to certain contractual and fiduciary obligations made in the context of the consortium agreement between Debtor Intelsat US LLC, SES, and other satellite operators (the “Consortium Agreement”). SES claims that it is entitled to 50% of the combined payments that may eventually be payable to the Debtors and SES pursuant to the FCC Final Order, which provides for Acceleration Payments subject to the satisfaction of certain deadlines and other conditions set forth therein. SES’s proof of claim alleges that the Debtors breached the Consortium Agreement by taking the position that the Debtors are not required to split Acceleration Payments with SES and the other members of the consortium. The proof of claim also alleges breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment and seeks monetary and punitive damages. We dispute the allegations in the proof of claim and on October 19, 2020, filed an objection to the claim, which we intend to litigate vigorously. A trial on the SES claim is scheduled to commence on June 28, 2021 in the Bankruptcy Court. To the extent that any portion of SES’s claim is allowed, we have asked the Bankruptcy Court to “equitably subordinate” such claim based on SES’s conduct in matters related to the Consortium Agreement. While the ultimate resolution of the claim is not currently predictable, if there is an adverse ruling, the ruling could constitute a material adverse outcome on our future consolidated financial condition. Other Litigation Matters In the absence of the automatic stay due to the Chapter 11 Cases, 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.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions (a) Shareholders’ Agreements Certain shareholders of Intelsat S.A. entered into a shareholders’ agreement in December 2018, which provides, among other things, specific rights to and limitations upon the holders of Intelsat S.A.’s share capital with respect to shares held by such holders. (b) Governance Agreement In December 2018, the Company entered into a governance agreement with its shareholder affiliated with Serafina S.A. The agreement contains provisions relating to the composition of the Company’s 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 Satellite LLC).

Condensed Combined Debtors' Fin

Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information	Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information The following presents our Debtors' condensed combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Consolidating adjustments include eliminations of the following: • investments in subsidiaries; • intercompany accounts; • intercompany sales and expenses; and • intercompany equity balances. Intercompany balances with non-Debtor affiliates have not been eliminated. On the Debtors’ condensed combined balance sheet, these primarily consist of net intercompany trade receivables generated under our Master Intercompany Service Agreement (“MISA”), funding for the operations of non-Debtor affiliates and funding for the acquisition of Gogo CA. On the Debtors’ condensed combined statements of operations, total reported revenue includes intercompany revenue of $67.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily consisting of satellite capacity charges. Cost from affiliates primarily relates to sales and technical support services provided to Debtors as specified under the MISA. Investments in non-Debtor affiliates are presented under the equity method of accounting in the condensed combined financial statements set forth below. DEBTORS' CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (in thousands, except per share amounts) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 879,191 $ 661,505 Restricted cash 20,817 26,682 Receivables, net of allowances of $34,391 in 2020 and $34,541 in 2021 561,573 732,257 Contract assets 15,474 23,464 Inventory 1,347 924 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 100,021 93,769 Intercompany receivables 678,188 723,098 Total current assets 2,256,611 2,261,699 Satellites and other property and equipment, net 4,656,678 4,789,266 Goodwill 2,624,452 2,624,452 Non-amortizable intangible assets 2,295,000 2,295,000 Amortizable intangible assets, net 245,649 238,490 Contract assets, net of current portion 26,642 24,591 Investment in affiliates 150,029 90,300 Other assets 357,897 359,861 Total assets $ 12,612,958 $ 12,683,659 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 222,876 $ 289,920 Taxes payable 6,743 7,593 Employee related liabilities 36,563 34,617 Accrued interest payable 17,747 17,985 Current maturities of long-term debt 5,903,724 5,906,514 Contract liabilities 146,762 755,437 Deferred satellite performance incentives 47,377 52,164 Other current liabilities 43,885 44,298 Total current liabilities 6,425,677 7,108,528 Contract liabilities, net of current portion 1,422,893 991,318 Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion 138,116 135,077 Deferred income taxes 61,069 63,629 Accrued retirement benefits, net of current portion 129,837 124,691 Other long-term liabilities 188,394 185,810 Liabilities subject to compromise 10,168,518 10,169,260 Shareholders’ deficit: Common shares, nominal value $0.01 per share 1,421 1,422 Paid-in capital 2,573,840 2,574,563 Accumulated deficit (8,416,410) (8,591,286) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (80,397) (79,353) Total shareholders’ deficit (5,921,546) (6,094,654) Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit $ 12,612,958 $ 12,683,659 DEBTORS' UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands) Three Months Ended Revenue $ 405,281 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) 63,682 Selling, general and administrative 61,299 Cost from affiliates 12,483 Depreciation and amortization 153,378 Other operating expense—C-band 58,356 Total operating expenses 349,198 Income from operations 56,083 Interest expense, net (125,779) Equity in loss of affiliates (53,530) Other income, net 11,133 Reorganization items (55,812) Loss before income taxes (167,905) Income tax expense (6,971) Net loss $ (174,876) DEBTORS' UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Three Months Ended Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (174,876) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 153,378 Provision for expected credit losses 5,960 Foreign currency transaction loss 324 Share-based compensation 661 Deferred income taxes 1,560 Amortization of discount, premium, issuance costs and related costs 2,459 Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credits for retirement benefits 1,063 Unrealized gains on investments and loans held-for-investment (13,252) Equity in losses of affiliates 53,530 Other non-cash items (158) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables 24,214 Intercompany receivables (37,943) Prepaid expenses, contract and other assets 8,157 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 36,425 Accrued interest payable 238 Contract liabilities (24,329) Accrued retirement benefits (5,146) Other long-term liabilities (3,468) Net cash provided by operating activities 28,797 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (including capitalized interest) (243,221) Dividends from affiliates 6,418 Net cash used in investing activities (236,803) Cash flows from financing activities: Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives (3,570) Net cash provided by financing activities (3,570) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (245) Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (211,821) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 900,008 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 688,187 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated Debtors' balance sheet to the total sum of these same amounts shown on the condensed consolidated Debtors' statement of cash flows: Cash and cash equivalents $ 661,505 Restricted cash 26,682 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the condensed consolidated Debtors' statement of cash flows $ 688,187

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Intelsat S.A. and its subsidiaries (“Intelsat S.A.,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) have not been audited, but are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. References to U.S. GAAP issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of these financial statements. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full year or for any future period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report”), on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of these condensed consolidated 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.
Bankruptcy Accounting	Bankruptcy AccountingOur consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared as if we are a going concern and reflect the application of ASC 852, Reorganizations (“ASC 852”). ASC 852 requires the financial statements, for periods subsequent to the commencement of our Chapter 11 proceedings, to distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, we classify liabilities and obligations whose treatment and satisfaction are dependent on the outcome of the reorganization under the Chapter 11 proceedings as liabilities subject to compromise on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we classify all income, expenses, gains or losses that are incurred or realized as a result of the Chapter 11 proceedings as reorganization items in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted CashCash 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 fair value. Restricted cash represents legally restricted amounts being held as a compensating balance for certain outstanding letters of credit.
Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses	Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses We provide satellite services and extend credit to numerous customers in the satellite communication, telecommunications and video markets, as well as the airline industry. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for credit losses and anticipated losses. The Company’s methodology to measure the provision for credit losses considers all relevant information, including but not limited to, information about historical collectibility, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. We believe we have adequate customer collateral and reserves to cover our exposure.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting For Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). The standard removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intra-period allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. ASU 2019-12 was adopted in the first quarter of 2021. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”). The standard simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts regarding an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2020-06 will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. We are in the process of evaluating the impact that ASU 2020-06 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
Revenue Recognition	Contract Liabilities As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we had contract liabilities of $405.2 million and $606.5 million, respectively, related to reimbursable costs associated with the FCC Final Order. As of December 31, 2020, these amounts were included within contract liabilities, net of current portion, and as of March 31, 2021, these amounts were included within contract liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, we recognized revenue of $86.1 million and $90.4 million, respectively, that was included in the contract liability balances as of January 1, 2020 and 2021, respectively. (b) Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Customer Contract For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021, we capitalized $1.1 million and $2.7 million for costs to obtain a customer contract, respectively, and amortized $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, capitalized costs to obtain a customer contract amounted to $10.4 million and $11.8 million, respectively, and were included within other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. (c) Remaining Performance Obligations Our remaining performance obligation is our expected future revenue under our existing customer contracts and includes both cancelable and non-cancelable contracts. Our remaining performance obligation was approximately $5.8 billion as of March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining customer contract life was approximately 3.8 years. Approximately 38%, 25%, and 37% of our total remaining performance obligation as of March 31, 2021 is expected to be recognized as revenue during 2021 and 2022, 2023 and 2024, and 2025 and thereafter, respectively. The amount included in the remaining performance obligation represents the full-service charge for the duration of the contract and does not include termination fees. The amount of the termination fees, which is not included in the remaining performance obligation amount, is generally calculated as a percentage of the remaining performance obligation associated with the contract. In certain cases of breach for non-payment or customer financial distress or bankruptcy, we may not be able to recover the full value of certain contracts or termination fees. Our remaining performance obligation includes 100% of the remaining performance obligation of our consolidated ownership interests, which is consistent with the accounting for our ownership interest in these entities. (d) Business and Geographic Segment Information
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“ASC 820”) defines fair value, establishes a market-based framework or hierarchy for measuring fair value and provides for certain required disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance is applicable whenever another accounting pronouncement requires or permits assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not require any new fair value measurements. 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.

General (Tables)

General (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total sum of these amounts reported in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): As of As of Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,060,917 $ 814,688 Restricted cash 21,130 26,987 Restricted cash included in other assets 5,500 5,500 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,087,547 $ 847,175
Schedule of Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total sum of these amounts reported in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): As of As of Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,060,917 $ 814,688 Restricted cash 21,130 26,987 Restricted cash included in other assets 5,500 5,500 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,087,547 $ 847,175
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	The following table provides a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): Description Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Accounts Receivable Contract Assets Accounts Receivable Contract Assets Balance at January 1 $ 40,028 $ — $ 40,785 $ 3,889 Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-13 adoption — 916 — — Charged to costs and expenses 19,049 895 6,956 640 Deductions (1) (8,016) — (6,757) — Balance at March 31 $ 51,061 $ 1,811 $ 40,984 $ 4,529 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
Contract with Customer, Asset, Allowance for Credit Loss	The following table provides a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses reported within our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): Description Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Accounts Receivable Contract Assets Accounts Receivable Contract Assets Balance at January 1 $ 40,028 $ — $ 40,785 $ 3,889 Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-13 adoption — 916 — — Charged to costs and expenses 19,049 895 6,956 640 Deductions (1) (8,016) — (6,757) — Balance at March 31 $ 51,061 $ 1,811 $ 40,984 $ 4,529 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Abili_2

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Schedule of Liabilities Subject to Compromise	Liabilities subject to compromise consisted of the following (in thousands): As of As of Accounts payable $ 9,545 $ 10,563 Debt subject to comprise 9,782,161 9,782,161 Accrued interest on debt subject to compromise 341,676 341,676 Other long-term liabilities subject to compromise 35,136 34,860 Total liabilities subject to compromise $ 10,168,518 $ 10,169,260
Schedule of Reorganization Items	Reorganization items consisted of the following (in thousands): Three Months Ended Professional fees $ 55,782 Other reorganization costs 30 Total reorganization items $ 55,812

Acquisition of Gogo Commercia_2

Acquisition of Gogo Commercial Aviation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Allocation of Purchase Consideration and Measurement Period Adjustments	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase consideration to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date, based on estimated fair values both as disclosed in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report and as adjusted for measurement period adjustments identified during the first quarter of 2021 (in thousands): Purchase Price Allocation As of Measurement Period Adjustments As of Assets acquired Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,867 $ — $ 9,867 Receivables, net of allowances 52,849 138 52,987 Inventory 144,014 (5,619) 138,395 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 36,140 — 36,140 Property and equipment 41,328 8,081 49,409 Amortizable intangible assets Software 45,464 — 45,464 Trade name 1,000 — 1,000 Goodwill 77,620 (3,940) 73,680 Other assets Supplemental type certificates 24,253 48 24,301 Line fit certificates 21,776 — 21,776 Other assets 100,566 — 100,566 Total assets acquired 554,877 (1,292) 553,585 Liabilities assumed Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (63,300) 779 (62,521) Contract liabilities (13,527) 513 (13,014) Other current liabilities (25,472) — (25,472) Noncurrent liabilities (43,522) — (43,522) Total liabilities assumed (145,821) 1,292 (144,529) Total purchase consideration $ 409,056 $ — $ 409,056

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Geographic Distribution of Revenue	The following table disaggregates revenue by billing region (in thousands, except percentages): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended North America $ 235,005 51 % $ 285,242 57 % Europe 53,938 12 % 52,637 10 % Latin America and Caribbean 51,475 11 % 49,706 10 % Africa and Middle East 61,902 13 % 55,921 11 % Asia-Pacific 56,500 12 % 59,257 12 % Total $ 458,820 $ 502,763
Disaggregation of Revenues	The following table disaggregates revenue by type of service (in thousands, except percentages): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended On-Network Revenues Transponder services $ 331,334 72 % $ 325,110 65 % Managed services 72,261 16 % 69,626 14 % Channel 426 — % 194 — % Total on-network revenues 404,021 88 % 394,930 79 % Off-Network and Other Revenues Transponder, MSS and other off-network services 43,688 10 % 42,595 8 % Satellite-related services 11,111 2 % 9,006 2 % Total off-network and other revenues 54,799 12 % 51,601 10 % In-flight Services Revenues Services — 44,711 9 % Equipment — 11,521 2 % Total in-flight services revenue — 56,232 11 % Total $ 458,820 $ 502,763 The following table disaggregates revenue by type of customer application (in thousands, except percentages): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Network services $ 149,378 33 % $ 213,969 43% Media 205,830 45 % 184,953 37% Government 95,752 21 % 97,913 19% Satellite-related services 7,860 1 % 5,928 1% Total $ 458,820 $ 502,763

Net Loss per Share (Tables)

Net Loss per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share data or where otherwise noted): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Numerator: Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A. $ (218,771) $ (174,876) Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 141.5 142.2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 141.5 142.2 Basic EPS $ (1.55) $ (1.23) Diluted EPS $ (1.55) $ (1.23)

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The tables below present assets measured and recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their corresponding level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands). No transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements occurred for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020 Description As of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Marketable securities (1) $ 5,205 $ 5,205 $ — $ — Common stock warrant (2) 3,239 — — 3,239 Total assets $ 8,444 $ 5,205 $ — $ 3,239 Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2021 Description As of March 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Marketable securities (1) $ 5,317 $ 5,317 $ — $ — Common stock warrant (2) 8,562 — — 8,562 Total assets $ 13,879 $ 5,317 $ — $ 8,562 (1) The valuation measurement inputs of these marketable securities represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and, accordingly, we have classified such investments as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. The cost basis of our marketable securities was $4.0 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively. We sold nominal amounts of marketable securities resulting in a nominal gain during each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021. These amounts are included in other income, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. (2) We valued the common stock warrant using a valuation technique that reflects the risk-free interest rate, time to maturity, volatility of comparable companies, and the expected transaction price and impact on this asset that may result from a potential merger or acquisition transaction. We identified the inputs used to calculate the fair value as Level 3 inputs and concluded that the valuation in its entirety is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Schedule of Reconciliation of Preferred and Common Stock Warrants Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents a reconciliation of the common stock warrant, which is measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs (in thousands): Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Balance as of beginning of period $ 3,239 $ 3,239 Unrealized gain included in other income, net — 5,323 Balance as of end of period $ 3,239 $ 8,562

Retirement Plans and Other Re_2

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)	The tables below show the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2021 (in thousands). These amounts are recognized in other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Pension Benefits Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Interest cost $ 2,962 $ 2,030 Expected return on plan assets (5,810) (5,592) Amortization of unrecognized net loss 1,600 2,046 Net periodic benefit income $ (1,248) $ (1,516) Other Postretirement Benefits Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Interest cost $ 266 $ 149 Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits (636) (636) Amortization of unrecognized net gain (305) (347) Net periodic benefit income $ (675) $ (834)

Satellites and Other Property_2

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 As of Satellites and launch vehicles $ 10,500,021 $ 10,748,817 Information systems and ground segment 1,062,216 1,075,357 Buildings and other 322,093 326,599 Total cost 11,884,330 12,150,773 Less: accumulated depreciation (7,126,453) (7,259,852) Total $ 4,757,877 $ 4,890,921

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Goodwill	The carrying amounts of goodwill consisted of the following (in thousands): As of As of Goodwill $ 6,858,447 $ 6,854,507 Accumulated impairment losses (4,160,200) (4,160,200) Net carrying amount $ 2,698,247 $ 2,694,307
Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Acquired Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization	The carrying amounts of acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): As of As of Orbital locations $ 2,250,000 $ 2,250,000 Trade name 45,000 45,000 Total non-amortizable intangible assets $ 2,295,000 $ 2,295,000
Schedule of Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	The carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands): As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying Backlog and other $ 744,760 $ (722,697) $ 22,063 $ 744,760 $ (724,862) $ 19,898 Customer relationships 534,030 (309,486) 224,544 534,030 (314,602) 219,428 Software 45,808 (1,846) 43,962 46,892 (4,629) 42,263 Total $ 1,324,598 $ (1,034,029) $ 290,569 $ 1,325,682 $ (1,044,093) $ 281,589

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 debt were as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Intelsat S.A.: 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2025 (1) $ 402,500 $ 130,813 $ 402,500 $ 130,813 As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes — — — — Total Intelsat S.A. obligations 402,500 130,813 402,500 130,813 Intelsat Luxembourg: 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 (1) 421,219 14,743 421,219 8,424 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 7.75% Senior Notes — — — — 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 (1) 1,000,000 130,000 1,000,000 170,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes — — — — 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 (1) 403,350 42,352 403,350 62,519 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — — — Total Intelsat Luxembourg obligations 1,824,569 187,095 1,824,569 240,943 Intelsat Connect Finance: 9.5% Senior Notes due February 2023 (1) 1,250,000 334,375 1,250,000 437,500 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 9.5% Senior Notes — — — — Total Intelsat Connect Finance obligations 1,250,000 334,375 1,250,000 437,500 Intelsat Jackson: 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022 490,000 543,900 490,000 582,488 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (7,495) — (6,507) — 8% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024 1,349,678 1,373,297 1,349,678 1,396,917 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 8% Senior Secured Notes (3,072) — (2,854) — 5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 (1) 1,985,000 1,349,800 1,985,000 1,210,850 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 5.5% Senior Notes — — — — 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025 (1) 1,885,000 1,347,775 1,885,000 1,168,700 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 9.75% Senior Notes — — — — 8.5% Senior Notes due October 2024 (1) 2,950,000 2,079,750 2,950,000 1,858,500 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and premium on 8.5% Senior Notes — — — — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due November 2023 2,000,000 2,025,000 2,000,000 2,030,000 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (16,955) — (15,628) — Senior Secured Credit Facilities due January 2024 395,000 400,925 395,000 401,913 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (1,238) — (1,145) — 6.625% Senior Secured Credit Facilities due January 2024 700,000 714,000 700,000 712,250 Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on Senior Secured Credit Facilities (2,194) — (2,030) — Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 1,000,000 1,011,250 1,000,000 1,011,250 Total Intelsat Jackson obligations 12,723,724 10,845,697 12,726,514 10,372,868 Eliminations: 8.125% Senior Notes of Intelsat Luxembourg due June 2023 owned by Intelsat Jackson (1) (111,663) (14,517) (111,663) (62,504) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs on 8.125% Senior Notes — — — — As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value 12.5% Senior Notes of Intelsat Luxembourg due November 2024 owned by Intelsat Connect Finance, Intelsat Jackson and Intelsat Envision (1) (403,245) (42,341) (403,245) (18,983) Unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs and discount on 12.5% Senior Notes — — — — Total eliminations: (514,908) (56,858) (514,908) (81,487) Total Intelsat S.A. debt 15,685,885 11,441,122 15,688,675 11,100,637 Less: current maturities of long-term debt 5,903,724 6,068,372 5,906,514 6,134,818 Less: debt included in liabilities subject to compromise 9,782,161 5,372,750 9,782,161 4,965,819 Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) In connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, these balances have been reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. As of April 15, 2020, the Company ceased making principal and interest payments, and as of May 13, 2020 ceased accruing interest expense in relation to this long-term debt that was reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise.

Derivative Instruments and He_2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
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 Classification As of As of Common stock warrant Other assets $ 3,239 $ 8,562
Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	The following table sets forth the effect of the derivative instruments in our condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Classification Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Interest rate cap contracts Loss included in interest expense, net $ (335) $ — Common stock warrant Gain included in other income, net — 5,323 Total (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments $ (335) $ 5,323

Condensed Combined Debtors' F_2

Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Debtors' Condensed Combined Balance Sheet	DEBTORS' CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (in thousands, except per share amounts) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 879,191 $ 661,505 Restricted cash 20,817 26,682 Receivables, net of allowances of $34,391 in 2020 and $34,541 in 2021 561,573 732,257 Contract assets 15,474 23,464 Inventory 1,347 924 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 100,021 93,769 Intercompany receivables 678,188 723,098 Total current assets 2,256,611 2,261,699 Satellites and other property and equipment, net 4,656,678 4,789,266 Goodwill 2,624,452 2,624,452 Non-amortizable intangible assets 2,295,000 2,295,000 Amortizable intangible assets, net 245,649 238,490 Contract assets, net of current portion 26,642 24,591 Investment in affiliates 150,029 90,300 Other assets 357,897 359,861 Total assets $ 12,612,958 $ 12,683,659 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 222,876 $ 289,920 Taxes payable 6,743 7,593 Employee related liabilities 36,563 34,617 Accrued interest payable 17,747 17,985 Current maturities of long-term debt 5,903,724 5,906,514 Contract liabilities 146,762 755,437 Deferred satellite performance incentives 47,377 52,164 Other current liabilities 43,885 44,298 Total current liabilities 6,425,677 7,108,528 Contract liabilities, net of current portion 1,422,893 991,318 Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion 138,116 135,077 Deferred income taxes 61,069 63,629 Accrued retirement benefits, net of current portion 129,837 124,691 Other long-term liabilities 188,394 185,810 Liabilities subject to compromise 10,168,518 10,169,260 Shareholders’ deficit: Common shares, nominal value $0.01 per share 1,421 1,422 Paid-in capital 2,573,840 2,574,563 Accumulated deficit (8,416,410) (8,591,286) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (80,397) (79,353) Total shareholders’ deficit (5,921,546) (6,094,654) Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit $ 12,612,958 $ 12,683,659
Debtors' Unaudited Condensed Combined Statements of Operations	DEBTORS' UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands) Three Months Ended Revenue $ 405,281 Operating expenses: Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization) 63,682 Selling, general and administrative 61,299 Cost from affiliates 12,483 Depreciation and amortization 153,378 Other operating expense—C-band 58,356 Total operating expenses 349,198 Income from operations 56,083 Interest expense, net (125,779) Equity in loss of affiliates (53,530) Other income, net 11,133 Reorganization items (55,812) Loss before income taxes (167,905) Income tax expense (6,971) Net loss $ (174,876)
Debtors' Unaudited Condensed Combined Statement of Cash Flows	DEBTORS' UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Three Months Ended Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (174,876) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 153,378 Provision for expected credit losses 5,960 Foreign currency transaction loss 324 Share-based compensation 661 Deferred income taxes 1,560 Amortization of discount, premium, issuance costs and related costs 2,459 Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credits for retirement benefits 1,063 Unrealized gains on investments and loans held-for-investment (13,252) Equity in losses of affiliates 53,530 Other non-cash items (158) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables 24,214 Intercompany receivables (37,943) Prepaid expenses, contract and other assets 8,157 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 36,425 Accrued interest payable 238 Contract liabilities (24,329) Accrued retirement benefits (5,146) Other long-term liabilities (3,468) Net cash provided by operating activities 28,797 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (including capitalized interest) (243,221) Dividends from affiliates 6,418 Net cash used in investing activities (236,803) Cash flows from financing activities: Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives (3,570) Net cash provided by financing activities (3,570) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (245) Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (211,821) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 900,008 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 688,187 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated Debtors' balance sheet to the total sum of these same amounts shown on the condensed consolidated Debtors' statement of cash flows: Cash and cash equivalents $ 661,505 Restricted cash 26,682 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the condensed consolidated Debtors' statement of cash flows $ 688,187

General - Additional Informatio

General - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 05, 2023	Dec. 05, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Receivables expected for reimbursable costs associated the FCC final order			$ 606.5	$ 405.2
Forecast
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Proceeds eligible to receive for clearing a portion c-band spectrum	$ 3,700	$ 1,200

General - Cash and Cash Equival

General - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 814,688	$ 1,060,917
Restricted cash	26,987	21,130
Restricted cash included in other assets	5,500	5,500
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 847,175	$ 1,087,547	$ 800,622	$ 830,864

General - Allowance for Credit

General - Allowance for Credit Losses Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounts Receivable
Balance at January 1	$ 40,785	$ 40,028
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-13 adoption	0	0
Charged to costs and expenses	6,956	19,049
Deductions	(6,757)	(8,016)
Balance at March 31	40,984	51,061
Contract Assets
Balance at January 1	3,889	0
Cumulative-effect adjustment of ASU 2016-13 adoption	0	916
Charged to costs and expenses	640	895
Deductions	0	0
Balance at March 31	$ 4,529	$ 1,811

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Abili_3

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 17, 2020	May 20, 2020
Fresh-Start Adjustment [Line Items]
Interest payments due which were not paid	$ 192,300
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 814,688		$ 1,060,917
Accumulated deficit	8,591,286		$ 8,416,410
Income from operations	11,319	$ 97,520
Net loss	$ 174,306	$ 218,215
Revolving Credit Facility | Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 | Line of Credit | Intelsat Jackson
Fresh-Start Adjustment [Line Items]
Debtor in possession financing, aggregate principal amount				$ 1,000,000

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Abili_4

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters - Liabilities Subject to Compromise (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 10,563	$ 9,545
Debt subject to comprise	9,782,161	9,782,161
Accrued interest on debt subject to compromise	341,676	341,676
Other long-term liabilities subject to compromise	34,860	35,136
Total liabilities subject to compromise	$ 10,169,260	$ 10,168,518

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Abili_5

Chapter 11 Proceedings, Ability to Continue as a Going Concern and Other Related Matters - Reorganization Items, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Professional fees	$ 55,782
Other reorganization costs	30
Reorganization items	$ 55,812	$ 0

Acquisition of Gogo Commercia_3

Acquisition of Gogo Commercial Aviation - Additional Information (Details) - Gogo CA - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business	$ 400,000
Payments to acquire business, net	386,400
Total purchase consideration	409,100
Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount	$ 63,000
Allocation of purchase consideration, measurement period adjustments, goodwill		$ (3,900)		$ (3,940)
Allocation of purchase consideration, measurement period adjustments, property and equipment				8,081
Allocation of purchase consideration, measurement period adjustments, inventory				$ 5,619
Contributed revenue		56,200
Contributed loss		39,400
Pro forma revenue			$ 564,200
Pro forma net loss			294,200
Acquisition related costs		$ 3,400	$ 0

Acquisition of Gogo Commercia_4

Acquisition of Gogo Commercial Aviation - Allocation of Purchase Consideration and Measurement Period Adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 01, 2020
Amortizable intangible assets
Goodwill	$ 2,694,307	$ 2,694,307	$ 2,698,247
Gogo CA
Assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents	9,867	9,867		$ 9,867
Measurement Period Adjustments, Cash and equivalents		0
Receivables, net of allowances	52,987	52,987		52,849
Measurement Period Adjustments, Receivables, net of allowances		138
Inventory	138,395	138,395		144,014
Measurement Period Adjustments, Inventory		(5,619)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	36,140	36,140		36,140
Measurement Period Adjustments, Prepaid expenses and other current assets assets		0
Property and equipment	49,409	49,409		41,328
Allocation of purchase consideration, measurement period adjustments, property and equipment		8,081
Amortizable intangible assets
Goodwill	73,680	73,680		77,620
Measurement Period Adjustments, Goodwill	(3,900)	(3,940)
Other assets
Supplemental type certificates	24,301	24,301		24,253
Measurement Period Adjustments, Supplemental type certificates		48
Line fit certificates	21,776	21,776		21,776
Measurement Period Adjustments, Line fit certificates		0
Other assets	100,566	100,566		100,566
Measurement Period Adjustments, Other assets		0
Total assets acquired	553,585	553,585		554,877
Measurement Period Adjustments, Total assets acquired		(1,292)
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(62,521)	(62,521)		(63,300)
Measurement Period Adjustments, Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		779
Contract liabilities	(13,014)	(13,014)		(13,527)
Measurement Period Adjustments, Contract liabilities		513
Other current liabilities	(25,472)	(25,472)		(25,472)
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current Liabilities, Other		0
Noncurrent liabilities	(43,522)	(43,522)		(43,522)
Measurement Period Adjustments, Noncurrent liabilities		0
Total liabilities assumed	(144,529)	(144,529)		(145,821)
Measurement Period Adjustments, Total liabilities assumed		1,292
Total purchase consideration	409,056	409,056		409,056
Measurement Period Adjustments, Total purchase consideration		0
Gogo CA | Software
Amortizable intangible assets
Amortizable intangible assets	45,464	45,464		45,464
Measurement Period Adjustments, Amortizable intangible assets		0
Gogo CA | Trade name
Amortizable intangible assets
Amortizable intangible assets	$ 1,000	1,000		$ 1,000
Measurement Period Adjustments, Amortizable intangible assets		$ 0

Share Capital (Details)

Share Capital (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	May 20, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Authorized share capital	$ 10
Common shares, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, issued (in shares)	142,200,000
Common shares, outstanding (in shares)	142,200,000

Revenue - Additional Informatio

Revenue - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Contract liabilities, noncurrent, related to reimbursable costs associated with FCC final order			$ 405.2
Contract liabilities, current, related to reimbursable costs associated with FCC final order	$ 606.5
Revenue recognized, previously included in contract liability balance	90.4	$ 86.1
Capitalized contract cost	2.7	1.1
Capitalized contract cost, amortization	1.3	$ 1.6
Capitalized contract cost, net	11.8		$ 10.4
Remaining performance obligation	$ 5,800
Weighted average remaining customer contract life	3 years 9 months 18 days
Percentage of remaining performance obligation of consolidated interests included	100.00%
Largest Customer | Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%	15.00%
Ten Largest Customers | Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	37.00%	42.00%

Revenue - Remaining Performance

Revenue - Remaining Performance Obligation (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage	38.00%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, period	1 year 9 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage	25.00%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, period	2 years
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage	37.00%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, period

Revenue - Disaggregation of Rev

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenues by Billing Region (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 502,763	$ 458,820
North America
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 285,242	$ 235,005
North America | Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Geographic Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	57.00%	51.00%
Europe
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 52,637	$ 53,938
Europe | Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Geographic Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%	12.00%
Latin America and Caribbean
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 49,706	$ 51,475
Latin America and Caribbean | Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Geographic Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%	11.00%
Africa and Middle East
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 55,921	$ 61,902
Africa and Middle East | Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Geographic Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%	13.00%
Asia-Pacific
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 59,257	$ 56,500
Asia-Pacific | Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Geographic Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	12.00%	12.00%

Revenue - Disaggregation of R_2

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenues by Type of Service (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 502,763	$ 458,820
On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	394,930	404,021
Off-Network and Other Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	51,601	54,799
In-flight Services Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	56,232	0
Transponder, MSS and other off-network services | On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	325,110	331,334
Transponder, MSS and other off-network services | Off-Network and Other Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	42,595	43,688
Managed services | On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	69,626	72,261
Channel | On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	194	426
Satellite-related services | Off-Network and Other Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	9,006	11,111
Services | In-flight Services Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	44,711	0
Equipment | In-flight Services Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 11,521	$ 0
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	79.00%	88.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Off-Network and Other Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%	12.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | In-flight Services Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Transponder, MSS and other off-network services | On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	65.00%	72.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Transponder, MSS and other off-network services | Off-Network and Other Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	8.00%	10.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Managed services | On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	14.00%	16.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Channel | On-Network Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Satellite-related services | Off-Network and Other Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	2.00%	2.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Services | In-flight Services Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	9.00%
Service Concentration Risk | Revenues | Equipment | In-flight Services Revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	2.00%

Revenue - Disaggregation of R_3

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenues by Type of Customer Application (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 502,763	$ 458,820
Network services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 213,969	$ 149,378
Network services | Revenues | Service Concentration Risk
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	43.00%	33.00%
Media
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 184,953	$ 205,830
Media | Revenues | Service Concentration Risk
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	37.00%	45.00%
Government
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 97,913	$ 95,752
Government | Revenues | Service Concentration Risk
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	19.00%	21.00%
Satellite-related services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 5,928	$ 7,860
Satellite-related services | Revenues | Service Concentration Risk
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	1.00%	1.00%

Net Loss per Share - Additional

Net Loss per Share - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (in shares)	0	0
Weighted average number of shares that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future	22,600,000	22,700,000
4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2025 | Intelsat S.A. | Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	4.50%
Principal amount			$ 402,500,000

Net Loss per Share - Computatio

Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$ (174,876)	$ (218,771)
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) (in shares)	142.2	141.5
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) (in shares)	142.2	141.5
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ (1,230)	$ (1.55)
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ (1,230)	$ (1.55)

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets
Cost basis of marketable securities	$ 3,800	$ 4,000
Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Marketable securities	5,317	5,205
Total assets	13,879	8,444
Level 1 | Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Marketable securities	5,317	5,205
Total assets	5,317	5,205
Level 2 | Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Marketable securities	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Level 3 | Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Marketable securities	0	0
Total assets	8,562	3,239
Common stock warrant | Common Stock | Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Common stock warrant	8,562	3,239
Common stock warrant | Common Stock | Level 1 | Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Common stock warrant	0	0
Common stock warrant | Common Stock | Level 2 | Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Common stock warrant	0	0
Common stock warrant | Common Stock | Level 3 | Fair Value, Recurring
Assets
Common stock warrant	$ 8,562	$ 3,239

Fair Value Measurement - Fair V

Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Level 3 - Common Stock - Common stock warrant - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 3,239	$ 3,239
Unrealized gain included in other income, net	5,323	0
Balance as of end of period	$ 8,562	$ 3,239

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets	$ 0	$ 12,200
Trade name
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets		$ 12,200

Retirement Plans and Other Re_3

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax, that has not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost	$ 112.8
Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, that has not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost	81.2
Recognized compensation expense	$ 3.4	$ 2.3

Retirement Plans and Other Re_4

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 2,030	$ 2,962
Expected return on plan assets	(5,592)	(5,810)
Amortization of unrecognized net (gain) loss	2,046	1,600
Net periodic benefit income	(1,516)	(1,248)
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	149	266
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits	(636)	(636)
Amortization of unrecognized net (gain) loss	(347)	(305)
Net periodic benefit income	$ (834)	$ (675)

Satellites and Other Property_3

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment - Satellites and Other Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	$ 12,150,773	$ 11,884,330
Less: accumulated depreciation	(7,259,852)	(7,126,453)
Total	4,890,921	4,757,877
Satellites and launch vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	10,748,817	10,500,021
Information systems and ground segment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	1,075,357	1,062,216
Buildings and other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	$ 326,599	$ 322,093

Satellites and Other Property_4

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction-in-progress	$ 857.2		$ 768.6
Costs and expenses incurred related to c-band clearing	724.7
Capitalized costs and expenses related to c-band	632.7
Costs expected to be reimbursed related to c-band	619.5
Capitalized interest	16	$ 4
Depreciation expense	154.8	$ 154.4
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalized costs and expenses related to c-band	604
Other Current Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalized costs and expenses related to c-band	$ 28.7

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)companyentityinvestment	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of entities meeting variable interest entity classification | entity	2
Total assets	$ 12,844,736		$ 12,797,681
Percentage of revenue remitted to joint venture partner	50.00%
Number of privately held companies in which noncontrolling equity investments are held | company	6
Carrying value of equity securities without readily determinable fair values	$ 31,900		31,900
Increase in fair value	5,300	$ 0
Stock warrants, cumulative fair value	$ 8,600		3,200
Number of privately held companies which loan receivables are carried from | company	3
Loan receivables, total amortized costs basis	$ 73,400		71,200
Unamortized discount on loan receivables	100		700
Unamortized deferred transaction costs on loan receivables	0		200
Accrued interest on loan receivables	1,000		1,900
Interest income on loan receivables	1,000	900
Loan receivables, fair value	$ 74,400		72,900
Horizons Satellite Holdings
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of investments | investment	2
Total assets	$ 13,900		14,200
Liabilities	1,600		0
Revenue share, net of applicable fees and commissions	$ 3,300		1,800
Equity Method Investee | Horizons 3 Satellite LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue remitted to joint venture partner	50.00%
Revenue share, net of applicable fees and commissions	$ 7,200		5,000
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Investment balance	$ 103,700		103,800
Amount investment balance exceeded equity in net assets	$ 10,700		10,900
Percentage of capital contribution	50.00%
Equity method investment, ownership interest percentage	50.00%
Payments for advance to affiliate	$ 0		2,700
Distributions received	0		9,000
Expenses from transaction with related party	4,500	5,000
Revenue from transaction with related party	1,700	$ 1,800
Receivables from related party	500		0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to related party	$ 1,500		$ 1,500

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 01, 2020
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,694,307		$ 2,694,307	$ 2,698,247
Impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets	0	$ 12,200
Amortization expense	10,100	7,800
Gogo CA
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	73,680		73,680		$ 77,620
Allocation of purchase consideration, measurement period adjustments, goodwill	$ 3,900		$ 3,940
Trade name
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of non-amortizable intangible assets		$ 12,200

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Carrying Amounts of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 6,854,507	$ 6,858,447
Accumulated impairment losses	(4,160,200)	(4,160,200)
Net carrying amount	$ 2,694,307	$ 2,698,247

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Carrying Amounts of Acquired Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Non-amortizable intangible assets	$ 2,295,000	$ 2,295,000
Orbital locations
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,250,000	2,250,000
Trade name
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Non-amortizable intangible assets	$ 45,000	$ 45,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,325,682	$ 1,324,598
Accumulated Amortization	(1,044,093)	(1,034,029)
Net Carrying Amount	281,589	290,569
Backlog and other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	744,760	744,760
Accumulated Amortization	(724,862)	(722,697)
Net Carrying Amount	19,898	22,063
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	534,030	534,030
Accumulated Amortization	(314,602)	(309,486)
Net Carrying Amount	219,428	224,544
Software
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	46,892	45,808
Accumulated Amortization	(4,629)	(1,846)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 42,263	$ 43,962

Debt - Carrying Values and Fair

Debt - Carrying Values and Fair Values of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 15,688,675	$ 15,685,885
Fair Value	11,100,637	11,441,122
Less: current maturities of long-term debt, carrying value	5,906,514	5,903,724
Less: current maturities of long-term debt, fair value	6,134,818	6,068,372
Less: liabilities subject to compromise, carrying value	9,782,161	9,782,161
Less: liabilities subject to compromise, fair value	4,965,819	5,372,750
Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt, carrying value	0	0
Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt, carrying value, fair value	0	0
Intelsat Jackson
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	12,726,514	12,723,724
Fair Value	10,372,868	10,845,697
Convertible Debt | Intelsat S.A.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	402,500	402,500
Fair Value	$ 130,813	130,813
Convertible Debt | Intelsat S.A. | 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	4.50%
Carrying value, gross	$ 402,500	402,500
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	0	0
Fair Value	130,813	130,813
Senior Notes | Intelsat Luxembourg
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,824,569	1,824,569
Fair Value	$ 240,943	187,095
Senior Notes | Intelsat Luxembourg | 7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	7.75%
Carrying value, gross	$ 421,219	421,219
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	0	0
Fair Value	$ 8,424	14,743
Senior Notes | Intelsat Luxembourg | 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	8.125%
Carrying value, gross	$ 1,000,000	1,000,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	0	0
Fair Value	$ 170,000	130,000
Senior Notes | Intelsat Luxembourg | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	12.50%
Carrying value, gross	$ 403,350	403,350
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	0	0
Fair Value	62,519	42,352
Senior Notes | Intelsat Connect Finance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,250,000	1,250,000
Fair Value	437,500	334,375
Senior Notes | Intelsat Connect Finance | Eliminations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	(514,908)	(514,908)
Fair Value	$ (81,487)	(56,858)
Senior Notes | Intelsat Connect Finance | 9.5% Senior Notes due February 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	9.50%
Carrying value, gross	$ 1,250,000	1,250,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	0	0
Fair Value	$ 437,500	334,375
Senior Notes | Intelsat Jackson | 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due September 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	9.50%
Carrying value, gross	$ 490,000	490,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	(6,507)	(7,495)
Fair Value	$ 582,488	543,900
Senior Notes | Intelsat Jackson | 8% Senior Secured Notes due February 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	8.00%
Carrying value, gross	$ 1,349,678	1,349,678
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	(2,854)	(3,072)
Fair Value	$ 1,396,917	1,373,297
Senior Notes | Intelsat Jackson | 5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	5.50%
Carrying value, gross	$ 1,985,000	1,985,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	0	0
Fair Value	$ 1,210,850	1,349,800
Senior Notes | Intelsat Jackson | 9.75% Senior Notes due July 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	9.75%
Carrying value, gross	$ 1,885,000	1,885,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	0	0
Fair Value	$ 1,168,700	1,347,775
Senior Notes | Intelsat Jackson | 8.5% Senior Notes due October 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	8.50%
Carrying value, gross	$ 2,950,000	2,950,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	0	0
Fair Value	$ 1,858,500	2,079,750
Senior Notes | Intelsat Jackson | 8.125% Senior Notes of Intelsat Luxembourg due June 2023 owned by Intelsat Jackson | Eliminations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	8.125%
Carrying value, gross	$ (111,663)	(111,663)
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs	0	0
Fair Value	$ (62,504)	(14,517)
Senior Notes | Intelsat Connect Finance, Intel Jackson and Intelsat Envision | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 | Eliminations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	12.50%
Carrying value, gross	$ (403,245)	(403,245)
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	0	0
Fair Value	(18,983)	(42,341)
Secured Debt | Line of Credit | Intelsat Jackson | Senior Secured Credit Facilities due November 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	2,000,000	2,000,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	(15,628)	(16,955)
Fair Value	2,030,000	2,025,000
Secured Debt | Line of Credit | Intelsat Jackson | Senior Secured Credit Facilities due January 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	395,000	395,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	(1,145)	(1,238)
Fair Value	$ 401,913	400,925
Secured Debt | Line of Credit | Intelsat Jackson | 6.625% Senior Secured Credit Facilities due January 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	6.625%
Carrying value, gross	$ 700,000	700,000
Carrying value, unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs, discount and premium	(2,030)	(2,194)
Fair Value	712,250	714,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Intelsat Jackson | Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value, gross	1,000,000	1,000,000
Fair Value	$ 1,011,250	$ 1,011,250

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2020	Nov. 27, 2020	Jun. 17, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Intelsat Luxembourg | 8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate				8.125%
Intelsat Luxembourg | 12.5% Senior Notes due November 2024 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate				12.50%
Intelsat Jackson | Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debtor in possession financing, aggregate principal amount			$ 1,000,000,000
Principal amount			500,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity per draw			$ 250,000,000
Proceeds from debtor-in-possession financing	$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Debtor-in-possession financing, borrowings outstanding				$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Ticking fee			3.60%
Interest rate in event of debt default			2.00%
Intelsat Jackson | Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			4.50%
Intelsat Jackson | Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			0.50%
Intelsat Jackson | Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), One Month Interest Period
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.00%
Intelsat Jackson | Superpriority Secured DIP Credit Facilities due July 2021 | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			5.50%
Basis spread on variable rate, floor			1.00%

Derivative Instruments and He_3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Details) - Interest rate cap contracts	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional value	$ 2,400,000,000
Other assets | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	$ 0

Derivative Instruments and He_4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fair Value of Derivatives by Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other assets | Common stock warrant
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, fair value	$ 8,562	$ 3,239

Derivative Instruments and He_5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Total (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments	$ 5,323	$ (335)
Loss included in interest expense, net | Interest rate cap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate cap contracts/common stock warrant	0	(335)
Gain included in other income, net | Common stock warrant
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate cap contracts/common stock warrant	$ 5,323	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income tax refund expected from taxing authority related to CARES Act		$ 8.1
Deferred payroll tax liability related to CARES Act	$ 6.8
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	53.8		$ 51.4
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	49.9		47.6
Reserves for interest and penalties	1		0.8
Increase to unrecognized tax benefits related to current year tax positions	1.6
Increase to unrecognized tax benefits related to prior tax positions	0.8
Payment made India tax authority				$ 7
BEAT tax impact	$ 1.5		$ 8.8

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Billions	Jul. 14, 2020USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Possible loss contingency	$ 1.8
Third party claim to payments	50.00%

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Horizons Satellite Holdings
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Horizons 3 Satellite LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%

Condensed Combined Debtors' F_3

Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Fresh-Start Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenue	$ (502,763)	$ (458,820)
Parent Company and Subsidiaries in Debtor-In-Possession Financing
Fresh-Start Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenue	(405,281)
Parent Company and Subsidiaries in Debtor-In-Possession Financing | Intersegment Eliminations
Fresh-Start Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 67,600

Condensed Combined Debtors' F_4

Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information - Debtors' Condensed Combined Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 814,688	$ 1,060,917
Restricted cash	26,987	21,130
Receivables, net of allowances of $34,391 in 2020 and $34,541 in 2021	833,637	659,444
Contract assets	48,095	39,774
Inventory	140,603	147,094
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	133,986	136,611
Total current assets	1,997,996	2,064,970
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	4,890,921	4,757,877
Goodwill	2,694,307	2,698,247
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,295,000	2,295,000
Amortizable intangible assets, net	281,589	290,569
Contract assets, net of current portion	81,997	86,017
Other assets	602,926	605,001
Total assets	12,844,736	12,797,681
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	291,389	252,998
Taxes payable	7,871	7,493
Employee related liabilities	45,611	43,404
Accrued interest payable	17,985	17,747
Current maturities of long-term debt	5,906,514	5,903,724
Contract liabilities	762,119	157,320
Deferred satellite performance incentives	52,164	47,377
Other current liabilities	71,597	73,479
Total current liabilities	7,155,250	6,503,542
Contract liabilities, net of current portion	1,022,039	1,447,891
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	135,077	138,116
Deferred income taxes	64,943	61,345
Accrued retirement benefits, net of current portion	124,691	129,837
Other long-term liabilities	261,974	262,900
Liabilities subject to compromise	10,169,260	10,168,518
Shareholders’ deficit:
Common shares, nominal value $0.01 per share	1,422	1,421
Paid-in capital	2,574,563	2,573,840
Accumulated deficit	(8,591,286)	(8,416,410)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(79,353)	(80,322)
Total Intelsat S.A. shareholders’ deficit	(6,094,654)	(5,921,471)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	12,844,736	12,797,681
Parent Company and Subsidiaries in Debtor-In-Possession Financing
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	661,505	879,191
Restricted cash	26,682	20,817
Receivables, net of allowances of $34,391 in 2020 and $34,541 in 2021	732,257	561,573
Contract assets	23,464	15,474
Inventory	924	1,347
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,769	100,021
Intercompany receivables	723,098	678,188
Total current assets	2,261,699	2,256,611
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	4,789,266	4,656,678
Goodwill	2,624,452	2,624,452
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,295,000	2,295,000
Amortizable intangible assets, net	238,490	245,649
Contract assets, net of current portion	24,591	26,642
Investment in affiliates	90,300	150,029
Other assets	359,861	357,897
Total assets	12,683,659	12,612,958
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	289,920	222,876
Taxes payable	7,593	6,743
Employee related liabilities	34,617	36,563
Accrued interest payable	17,985	17,747
Current maturities of long-term debt	5,906,514	5,903,724
Contract liabilities	755,437	146,762
Deferred satellite performance incentives	52,164	47,377
Other current liabilities	44,298	43,885
Total current liabilities	7,108,528	6,425,677
Contract liabilities, net of current portion	991,318	1,422,893
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	135,077	138,116
Deferred income taxes	63,629	61,069
Accrued retirement benefits, net of current portion	124,691	129,837
Other long-term liabilities	185,810	188,394
Liabilities subject to compromise	10,169,260	10,168,518
Shareholders’ deficit:
Common shares, nominal value $0.01 per share	1,422	1,421
Paid-in capital	2,574,563	2,573,840
Accumulated deficit	(8,591,286)	(8,416,410)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(79,353)	(80,397)
Total Intelsat S.A. shareholders’ deficit	(6,094,654)	(5,921,546)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$ 12,683,659	$ 12,612,958

Condensed Combined Debtors' F_5

Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information - Debtors' Condensed Combined Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	May 20, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables, allowance	$ 40,984	$ 40,785		$ 51,061	$ 40,028
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Parent Company and Subsidiaries in Debtor-In-Possession Financing
Receivables, allowance	$ 34,541	$ 34,391
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Condensed Combined Debtors' F_6

Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information - Debtors' Unaudited Condensed Combined Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue	$ 502,763	$ 458,820
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	165,233	105,085
Selling, general and administrative	102,614	80,967
Depreciation and amortization	165,241	163,048
Other operating expense—C-band	58,356	0
Total operating expenses	491,444	361,300
Income from operations	11,319	97,520
Interest expense, net	(132,343)	(318,329)
Other income, net	9,719	2,735
Reorganization items	(55,812)	0
Loss before income taxes	(167,117)	(218,074)
Income tax expense	(7,189)	(141)
Net loss	(174,306)	$ (218,215)
Parent Company and Subsidiaries in Debtor-In-Possession Financing
Revenue	405,281
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	63,682
Selling, general and administrative	61,299
Cost from affiliates	12,483
Depreciation and amortization	153,378
Other operating expense—C-band	58,356
Total operating expenses	349,198
Income from operations	56,083
Interest expense, net	(125,779)
Equity in loss of affiliates	(53,530)
Other income, net	11,133
Reorganization items	(55,812)
Loss before income taxes	(167,905)
Income tax expense	(6,971)
Net loss	$ (174,876)

Condensed Combined Debtors' F_7

Condensed Combined Debtors' Financial Information - Debtors' Unaudited Condensed Combined Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (174,306)	$ (218,215)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	165,241	163,048
Provision for expected credit losses	7,596	19,944
Foreign currency transaction loss	2,592	6,380
Share-based compensation	5,924	3,706
Deferred income taxes	1,793	2,181
Amortization of discount, premium, issuance costs and related costs	2,459	11,196
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credits for retirement benefits	1,063	659
Unrealized (gains) losses on investments and loans held-for-investment	(6,274)	8
Other non-cash items	(76)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	19,479	(939)
Prepaid expenses, contract and other assets	2,042	19,510
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10,260	14,743
Accrued interest payable	238	(757)
Contract liabilities	(21,969)	(6,916)
Accrued retirement benefits	(5,146)	(3,900)
Other long-term liabilities	(1,810)	(8,906)
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,407	14,277
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (including capitalized interest)	(244,596)	(38,026)
Net cash used in investing activities	(245,681)	(32,827)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	(3,570)	(7,806)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,987)	(9,685)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(2,111)	(2,007)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(240,372)	(30,242)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	1,087,547	830,864
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	847,175	800,622
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated Debtors' balance sheet to the total sum of these same amounts shown on the condensed consolidated Debtors' statement of cash flows:
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 814,688	$ 1,060,917
Restricted cash			26,987	21,130
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	847,175	$ 800,622	847,175	1,087,547
Parent Company and Subsidiaries in Debtor-In-Possession Financing
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	(174,876)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	153,378
Provision for expected credit losses	5,960
Foreign currency transaction loss	324
Share-based compensation	661
Deferred income taxes	1,560
Amortization of discount, premium, issuance costs and related costs	2,459
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credits for retirement benefits	1,063
Unrealized (gains) losses on investments and loans held-for-investment	(13,252)
Equity in losses of affiliates	53,530
Other non-cash items	(158)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	24,214
Intercompany receivables	(37,943)
Prepaid expenses, contract and other assets	8,157
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	36,425
Accrued interest payable	238
Contract liabilities	(24,329)
Accrued retirement benefits	(5,146)
Other long-term liabilities	(3,468)
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,797
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (including capitalized interest)	(243,221)
Dividends from affiliates	6,418
Net cash used in investing activities	(236,803)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	(3,570)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,570)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(245)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(211,821)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	900,008
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	688,187
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated Debtors' balance sheet to the total sum of these same amounts shown on the condensed consolidated Debtors' statement of cash flows:
Cash and cash equivalents			661,505	879,191
Restricted cash			26,682	20,817
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 688,187		$ 688,187	$ 900,008

Uncategorized Items - i-2021033

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member