Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Leases and Transponder Service Agreements (Details)

v3.8.0.1
Leases and Transponder Service Agreements (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
ft²
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Capital leases      
2018 $ 15    
2019 15    
2020 12    
2021 12    
2022 8    
Thereafter 10    
Total 72    
Operating leases      
2018 21    
2019 16    
2020 13    
2021 10    
2022 7    
Thereafter 73    
Total 140    
Built to suit lease      
2018 5    
2019 6    
2020 6    
2021 6    
2022 6    
Thereafter 58    
Total $ 87    
Capital leased assets, number of agreements 15    
Capital transponder monthly lease expense $ 1    
Capital leases income statement depreciation expense 13 $ 12 $ 12
Imputed interest on capital lease 4    
Operating leases expense $ 23 24 $ 24
Area of lease (in sqft) | ft² 1,000,000    
Initial term of lease 15 years    
Minimum base rent $ 6    
Maximum base rent $ 8    
Number of extension options 2    
Term of lease extensions 10 years    
Amended arrangement initial payment $ 10    
Amended arrangement annual installment payments $ 12    
Amended arrangement payment term 13 years    
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid   $ 89  
Property and equipment useful life 20 years