Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Liabilities Derivatives, Embedded Derivatives [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Capitalized costs to obtain a contract Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 2013 8.00% Notes Convertible Eight Point Zero Percent Senior Notes Issued Twenty Thirteen [Member] 8.00% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes, Issued 2013 [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Loan interest rate, percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Loan Agreement with Thermo Subordinated Debt [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Carrying Value Long-term Debt Estimated Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Leases [Abstract] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of reconciliation of basic weighted average share to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative gains (losses) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A Preferred Convertible Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Voting Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Nonvoting Common Stock Nonvoting Common Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,162 and $3,382, respectively Inventory Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Operating lease right of use assets, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Intangible and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $8,706 and $7,930, respectively Intangible Assets And Other Assets Noncurrent Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Also includes Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of other noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Payables to affiliates Due to Related Parties, Current Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Employee benefit obligations Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Contingencies (Note 8) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Service revenue Service [Member] Subscriber equipment sales Product [Member] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of goods and services Cost of Goods and Services Sold Marketing, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Revision to contract termination charge Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Operating loss Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income and expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Derivative gain Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Gain on legal settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) per common share: Basic (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Subordinated Debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Subordinated loan agreement, amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Outstanding interest Interest Payable Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Cash Paid For Amounts Included In Measurement Of Lease Liabilities [Abstract] Cash Paid For Amounts Included In Measurement Of Lease Liabilities [Abstract] Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Financing cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Unrealized gain, included in derivative gain Fair Value, Liability, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Balance at end of period Operating lease cost: Operating Lease Cost [Abstract] Operating Lease Cost [Abstract] Amortization of right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Amortization Operating Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Operating Lease, Interest Expense Operating Lease, Interest Expense Finance lease cost: Lessee, Finance Lease Cost [Abstract] Lessee, Finance Lease Cost [Abstract] Amortization of right-of-use assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Total lease cost Lease, Cost Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Long-term Long-term Contract with Customer [Member] Short-term Short-term Contract with Customer [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] IGO IGO [Member] IGO [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue adjustment Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Contract with customer, impairment losses on receivables Contract with Customer, Asset, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Capitalized contract cost, amortization period Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period Capitalized contract cost, amortization on previously capitalized costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Contract liabilities Contract with customer, revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Beginning balance, amount Issuances (forfeitures) of restricted stock awards, stock for employee stock option exercises and recognition of stock-based compensation (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, before Forfeiture Issuances (forfeitures) of restricted stock awards, stock for employee stock option exercises and recognition of stock-based compensation Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, before Forfeiture Contribution of services Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Net issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan and recognition of stock-based compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Net issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan and recognition of stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Net issuance of restricted stock awards and recognition of stock-based compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Net issuance of restricted stock awards and recognition of stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Recognition of stock-based compensation of employee stock purchase plan APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, ESPP, Increase for Cost Recognition Investment in business Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Investment In Business Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Investment In Business Stock offering issuance costs Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Impact of adoption of ASC 606 Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Net income (loss) Ending balance (in shares) Ending balance, amount Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Compound embedded derivative with the 2013 8.00% Notes Compound Embedded Conversion Option With Eight Point Zero Percent Notes Issued In Twenty Thirteen [Member] Compound Embedded Conversion Option with 8.0% Notes Issued In 2013 [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Compound embedded derivative with the Loan Agreement with Thermo Compound Embedded Derivative With Thermo Loan Agreement [Member] Compound Embedded Derivative With Thermo Loan Agreement [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Total liabilities measured at fair value Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, amortization and accretion Change in fair value of derivative assets and liabilities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Provision for bad debts Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Noncash interest and accretion expense Non Cash Interest Expense Cash Flow Non Cash Interest Expense Cash Flow Revision to contract termination charge Change to estimated impact upon adoption of ASC 606 New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle, Effect Of Adoption, Change In Estimated Impact Of Adoption New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle, Effect Of Adoption, Change In Estimated Impact Of Adoption Unrealized foreign currency loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Payables to affiliates Increase (Decrease) in Due to Affiliates Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Second-generation network costs (including interest) Payments for Construction in Process Property and equipment additions Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Investment in business Payments For (Proceeds From) Investments In Businesses Payments For (Proceeds From) Investments In Businesses Purchase of intangible assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Principal payments of the Facility Agreement Repayments of Lines of Credit Payments for financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from Subordinated Loan Agreement Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of options and warrants Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash (See Note 5 for further discussion on restrictions) Restricted Cash Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Increase in capitalized accrued interest for second-generation network costs Capitalized Interest Costs, Including Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Capitalized accretion of debt discount and amortization of prepaid financing costs Debt Issuance Costs Incurred During Noncash or Partial Noncash Transaction Revenue remaining performance obligation, percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Interest Rate Cap Interest Rate Cap [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Six-month LIBOR Rate Six Month London Interbank Offered Rate [Member] Six-month Libor rate [Member] 8.00% Convertible Senior Notes Issued in 2013 Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Number of interest rate cap agreements (in contracts) Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Maturity period Derivative, Remaining Maturity Base rate to be capped, should the Base Rate not exceed 6.50%, percentage Derivative, Cap Interest Rate Interest on outstanding amounts on the Facility Agreement, percentage Debt Instrument Interest Base Rate Debt Instrument Interest Base Rate Base rate to be lowered from LIBOR, should the base rate exceed 6.50%, percentage Debt Instrument Basis Spread Reduction On Variable Rate Debt Instrument Basis Spread Reduction On Variable Rate Fee for interest rate cap agreements Fee For Interest Rate Cap Agreements Fee for interest rate cap agreements. Derivative asset Derivative Asset, Current Schedule of revenue disaggregated by product and services Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of information related to contracts with customers Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Thermo Thermo Capital Partners LLC [Member] Thermo Capital Partners, LLC [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Thermo Loan agreement, conversion price (USD per share) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Maturity period after full payment of Facility Agreement Debt Instrument, Maturity Period, After Full Repayment Of Another Debt Debt Instrument, Maturity Period, After Full Repayment Of Another Debt Equity method investment, threshold percentage requiring a Strategic Review Committee Equity Method Investment, Threshold Requiring A Strategic Review Committee, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Threshold Requiring A Strategic Review Committee, Ownership Percentage Equity method investment, transaction threshold for approval requirement Equity Method Investment, Transaction Threshold For Approval Requirement Equity Method Investment, Transaction Threshold For Approval Requirement Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 (remaining) Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due In Year Six Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due In Year Six Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due After Year Six Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due After Year Six Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Discounted lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Finance Leases Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 (remaining) Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due In Year Six Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due In Year Six Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due After Year Six Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due After Year Six Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Imputed interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Discounted lease liability Finance Lease, Liability Schedule of financial liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of significant quantitative Level 3 inputs utilized Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Schedule of rollforward of liabilities measured at fair value Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying values and estimated fair values of debt instruments Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Facility Agreement Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Domestic Subsidiaries Domestic Subsidiaries [Member] Domestic Subsidiaries [Member] Foreign Subsidiaries Foreign Subsidiaries [Member] Foreign Subsidiaries [Member] Interest rate increase, percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease) Interest above LIBOR rate, percentage Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Percentage of guarantee provided by French export credit agency to lending syndicate Percentage Of Guarantee Provided By Credit Agency Percentage of guarantee provided by French export credit agency to lending syndicate. Percentage of equity pledged as collateral Percentage Of Capital Stock Pledged As Collateral Percentage of Capital Stock Pledged as Collateral Debt service reserve account Compensating Balance, Amount Balance in the equity proceeds accounts Compensating Balance, Equity Proceeds Account, Amount Compensating Balance, Equity Proceeds Account, Amount Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Compound Embedded Derivative with the Thermo Loan Agreement Subordinated Loan Agreement Subordinated Loan Agreement [Member] Subordinated Loan Agreement [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Change in fair value related to equity issuance Other Noncash Expense Annual base rental payments Operating Leases, Annual Base Rental Operating Leases, Annual Base Rental Annual rental payment escalation percentage Operating Leases, Annual Rent Escalation, Percentage Operating Leases, Annual Rent Escalation, Percentage Operating lease term Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Rent expense Operating Lease, Expense Debt instrument, principal amount outstanding Fair value of compound derivative liability associated with the Loan Agreement Interest expense, related party Interest Expense, Related Party Interest payable Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements Debt Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] Impact of ASC 842 Restatement Adjustment [Member] Legacy GAAP Previously Reported [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Right-of-use asset, net Intangible and other assets, net Property and equipment, net Lease liabilities Other non-current liabilities Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Table] Document and Entity Information [Table] Document and Entity Information [Table] Voting Common Stock Nonvoting Common Stock Document and Entity Information [Line Items] Document and Entity Information [Line Items] [Line Items] for Document and Entity Information [Table] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative liabilities: Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract] Total derivative liabilities Derivative Liability Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Accounts receivable, net of allowance Intercompany receivables Due from Affiliate, Current Intercompany notes receivable Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Intangible and other assets, net Intercompany payables Due to Affiliate, Current Intercompany notes payable Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Stockholders’ equity (deficit) Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities: Second-generation network costs (including interest) Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: Weighted-average lease term, Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average lease term, Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average discount rate, Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted-average discount rate, Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Customs and Border Protection tariff ruling Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Customs and Border Protection tariff ruling, impact on inventory Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Inventory [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Inventory [Member] Customs and Border Protection tariff ruling, excluding impact on inventory Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Impact Excluding Inventory Sold [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Impact Excluding Inventory Sold Customs and Border Protection tariff ruling, impact on cost of goods sold Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Cost Of Goods Sold [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Cost Of Goods Sold [Member] Customs and Border Protection tariff ruling, offsetting receivable Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Offsetting Receivable [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action, Offsetting Receivable [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Forecast [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Thermo Company Thermo Company [Member] Thermo Company [Member] Mudrick Capital Management, LP, et al. v. Monroe, et al. Mudrick Capital Management, LP, Et Al. V. Monroe, Et Al. [Member] Mudrick Capital Management, LP, Et Al. V. Monroe, Et Al. [Member] Business Economic Loss Claim Business Economic Loss Claim [Member] Business Economic Loss Claim [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Plaintiff's award Estimated Litigation Liability Retention limit Loss Contingency, Retention Limit Loss Contingency, Retention Limit Loss contingency, receivable Loss Contingency, Receivable Litigation settlement Litigation Settlement, Expense Accounts payable Receivable Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Proceeds from legal settlement Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded from Other Party Litigation settlement discount Litigation Settlement Interest Schedule of lease assets and liabilities Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of lease cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of operating leases liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of finance leases liabilities Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Principal Amount Long Term Debt Principal Amount [Abstract] Total Debt Less: Current Portion Debt Instrument Face Amount Current Debt Instrument Face Amount Current Long-Term Debt Debt Instruments Face Amount Noncurrent Debt Instruments Face Amount Noncurrent Unamortized Discount and Deferred Financing Costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net [Abstract] Total Debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Less: Current Portion Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Current Long-Term Debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Noncurrent Carrying Value Long Term Debt Carrying Value [Abstract] Total Debt Less: Current Portion Long-Term Debt Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Revenue: Derivative gain (loss) Equity in subsidiary earnings (loss) Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax Income tax expense Comprehensive income (loss) Nonvoting Common Stock Accounts receivable, allowance Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accumulated Amortization of Intangible and other assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Preferred stock, par value (USD per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Operating lease liabilities Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Impact of adoption of ASC 842 on retained earnings Lease term (in years) Lessee, Operating And Finance Leases, Remaining Lease Term Lessee, Operating And Finance Leases, Remaining Lease Term Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Loan Agreement with Thermo Warrants Associated With Thermo Loan Agreement [Member] Warrants Associated With Thermo Loan Agreement [Member] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Effect of dilutive securities: Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Dilutive securities Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Dilutive Convertible Securities Loss to common stockholders plus assumed conversions Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic shares outstanding (in shares) Incremental shares from assumed exercises, conversions and other issuance of: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and ESPP (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Conversion of debt securities (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Net income (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Number of derivatives (in contracts) Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Stock price, percentage decrease Share Price, Percentage Decrease Share Price, Percentage Decrease Stock issuance settlement period Stock Issuance, Settlement Period Upon Conversion And Automatic Conversion Stock Issuance, Settlement Period Upon Conversion And Automatic Conversion Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Stock Price Volatility Measurement Input, Price Volatility [Member] Risk-Free Interest Rate Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member] Note Conversion Price Measurement Input, Exercise Price [Member] Discount Rate Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] Market Price of Common Stock Measurement Input, Share Price [Member] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Derivative liabilities, measurement input, percentage Derivative Liability, Measurement Input Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Contingencies Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Globalstar System Global Star System [Member] Global Star System [Member] Sat-Fi2 Sat-Fi2 [Member] Sat-Fi2 TM Property Plant And Equipment Additional Disclosures [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Additional Disclosures [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Additional Disclosures [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Additional Disclosures [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment Additional Disclosures [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment Additional Disclosures [Domain] First and second-generation satellites in service First and Second Generation Satellites [Member] First and Second Generation Satellites [Member] Second-generation satellite, on-ground spare Second Generation Satellite, On-ground Spare [Member] Second Generation Satellite, On-ground Spare [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Space component Space Component [Member] Space Component [Member] Ground component Ground Component [Member] Ground Component [Member] Next-generation software upgrades Software Development [Member] Other Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] Internally developed and purchased software Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Land and buildings Land and Building [Member] Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Property, Plant, and Equipment, Owned, Accumulated Depreciation Total property and equipment, net Construction in progress placed into service Property, Plant and Equipment, Transfers and Changes Interest rate, payable in cash, percentage Debt Instrument Interest Rate Payable In Cash Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Payable In Cash. Interest rate, payable in additional notes, percentage Debt Instrument Interest Rate Payable In Additional Notes Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Payable In Additional Notes. Debt conversion, threshold of consecutive trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Debt conversion, converted instrument, amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Debt conversion, converted instrument, shares issued (in shares) Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Operating leases: Leases, Operating [Abstract] Right-of-use asset, net Short-term lease liability (as recorded in accrued expenses) Operating Lease, Liability, Current Long-term lease liability Total operating lease liabilities Finance leases: Finance Leases [Abstract] Finance Leases [Abstract] Right-of-use asset, net (as recorded in intangible and other current assets, net) Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Short-term lease liability (as recorded in accrued expenses) Finance Lease, Liability, Current Long-term lease liability (as recorded in non-current liabilities) Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Total finance lease liabilities Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Service revenue: Duplex Services, Duplex [Member] Services, Duplex [Member] SPOT Services, SPOT [Member] Services, SPOT [Member] Commercial IoT Commercial loT [Member] Commercial loT [Member] IGO Services, IGO [Member] Services, IGO [Member] Other Services, Other [Member] Services, Other [Member] Subscriber equipment sales: Duplex Product, Duplex [Member] Product, Duplex [Member] SPOT Product, SPOT [Member] Product, SPOT [Member] Commercial IoT Subscriber Equipment, Commercial loT [Member] Subscriber Equipment, Commercial loT [Member] Other Product, Other [Member] Product, Other [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Canada CANADA Europe Europe [Member] Central and South America Latin America [Member] Others Other Countries [Member] Other Countries [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]