Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Loss before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block] Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale securities, debt maturities, amortized cost and fair value basis Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Marketable Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of future minimum rental payments for operating leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] State Tax Authority State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Research Tax Credit Carryforward Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards And Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards And Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards 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corresponding valuation allowance related to 2017 Tax Act Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Reduction to deferred tax assets and corresponding valuation allowance related to 2017 Tax Act Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense Transitional toll tax related to 2017 Tax Act Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense, Transitional Toll Tax Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Income Tax Expense, Transitional Toll Tax Net tax benefit related to 2017 Tax Act Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net tax benefit related to estimate of the provisions of the 2017 Tax Act Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of reporting segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 Goodwill Foreign currency translation adjustment Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at December 31 Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Facility Land and Building [Member] Satellite Capacity and Equipment Satellite Capacity and Equipment [Member] Satellite Capacity and Equipment [Member] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Axis] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Axis] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Domain] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Domain] Purchase Commitment Purchase Commitment [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating leases, rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Unconditional purchase order obligations Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Intangibles assets acquired in asset acquisition Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Foreign currency translation adjustment Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at December 31 Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Land Land [Member] Building and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Leasehold improvements Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Revenue-generating assets Hardware Revenue Generating Asset [Member] Hardware Revenue Generating Asset [Member] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Office and computer equipment Office And Computer Equipment [Member] Office And Computer Equipment [Member] Motor vehicles Vehicles [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Depreciation Depreciation Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Unallocated, net Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Mobile Connectivity Mobile Connectivity [Member] Mobile Connectivity [Member] The mobile connectivity segment primarily manufactures and distributes a comprehensive family of mobile satellite antenna products and services that provide access to the Internet and voice services while on the move. Intertial Navigation Intertial Navigation [Member] Intertial Navigation [Member] The inertial navigation segment manufactures and distributes a portfolio of digital compass and fiber optic gyro (FOG)-based systems that address the rigorous requirements of military and commercial customers and provide reliable, easy-to-use and continuously available navigation and pointing data. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Amortization expense Amortization Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Debt Securities Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Amortized Cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Due in less than one year Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Amortized Cost Fair Value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Due in less than one year Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value Interest income from cash equivalents and marketable securities Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Product Product [Member] Service Service [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Sales: Revenues [Abstract] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Costs and expenses: Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract] Cost of product and service sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Research and development Research and Development Expense Sales, marketing and support Selling and Marketing Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income tax expense Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Per share information: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net loss per share, basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net loss per share, diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Number of shares used in per share calculation: Earnings Per Share, Basic, Other Disclosures [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] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] First Half of Mortgage First Half of Mortgage [Member] First half of mortgage. Second Half of Mortgage Second Half of Mortgage [Member] Second half of mortgage. Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Debt Covenant Period [Axis] Debt Covenant Period [Axis] Debt Covenant Period [Axis] Debt Covenant Period [Domain] Debt Covenant Period [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Covenant Period [Axis] Debt Covenant Period, One Debt Covenant Period, One [Member] Debt Covenant Period, One [Member] Debt Covenant Period, Two Debt Covenant Period, Two [Member] Debt Covenant Period, Two [Member] Debt Covenant Period, Three Debt Covenant Period, Three [Member] Debt Covenant Period, Three [Member] Debt Covenant Period, Four Debt Covenant Period, Four [Member] Debt Covenant Period, Four [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Credit Facility Senior Credit Facility [Member] Senior Credit Facility [Member] Mortgage Loan On Headquarters Facility Mortgage Loan On Headquarters Facility [Member] Mortgage Loan On Headquarters Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Mortgage loan Mortgages [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar Rate Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] 2014 Term Notes 2014 Term Notes [Member] 2014 Term Notes [Member] 2018 Term Notes 2018 Term Notes [Member] 2018 Term Notes [Member] Revolving loan agreement Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Term of debt instrument Debt Instrument, Term Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Repayment of remaining balance Long-term debt, Repayment of Principal in connection with Amendment Long-term debt, Repayment of Principal in connection with Amendment Security interest pledge Debt Instrument, Security Interest Pledged, Percentage Debt Instrument, Security Interest Pledged, Percentage Principal repayment Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Number of three-month periods, frequency of payment Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Number Of Three Month Periods Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Number Of Three Month Periods Net cash proceeds from certain dispositions to the extent not reinvested Line of Credit Facility, Mandatory Prepayment Provision, Net Cash Proceeds from Dispositions Not Reinvested, Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Mandatory Prepayment Provision, Net Cash Proceeds from Dispositions Not Reinvested, Percentage Net cash proceeds from stated equity issuances Line of Credit Facility, Mandatory Prepayment Provision, Net Cash Proceeds from Stated Equity Issuance, Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Mandatory Prepayment Provision, Net Cash Proceeds from Stated Equity Issuance, Percentage Net cash proceeds from certain receipts above certain threshold amounts Line of Credit Facility, Mandatory Prepayment Provision, Net Cash Proceeds from Receipts Greater than 250 Thousand Dollars, Non-ordinary Business, Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Mandatory Prepayment Provision, Net Cash Proceeds from Receipts Greater than 250 Thousand Dollars, Non-ordinary Business, Percentage Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Remaining balance available for borrowing Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Consolidated leverage ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Maximum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Maximum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, maturity term Debt Instrument, Maturity Term Debt Instrument, Maturity Term Debt instrument, principal amortization term Debt Instrument, Principal Amortization Term Debt Instrument, Principal Amortization Term Monthly repayments of long-term debt, principal and interest Monthly Repayments of Long-Term Debt, Principal And Interest Monthly Repayments of Long-Term Debt, Principal And Interest Balloon payment Debt Instrument, Baloon Payment Due at Maturity Debt Instrument, Baloon Payment Due at Maturity Debt instrument, restrictive covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio, amount Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Amount Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Amount Number of financial covenants Number of Financial Covenants Number of Financial Covenants Number of interest rate swap agreements Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Strike rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] As Reported Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Cash, cash equivalent and marketable securities Cash And Cash Equivalents, At Carrying Value And Marketable Securities, Current Cash And Cash Equivalents, At Carrying Value And Marketable Securities, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Contract assets, long-term Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue, current Deferred Revenue, Current Contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Long-term contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Deferred Income Taxes and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Long-term debt, excluding current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Total liabilities Liabilities Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Common stock, additional paid-in capital, and accumulated other comprehensive loss Common Stock, Additional Paid-in Capital, and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Common Stock, Additional Paid-in Capital, and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [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] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Money market mutual funds Money Market Funds [Member] United States treasuries US Treasury Securities [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] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Pro forma as if the previous accounting guidance had been in effect Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract] Accumulated deficit Consolidated Statement of Operations Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract] Other income (expense), net Net interest and other expense Net interest (income and expense) and other expense Net loss per common share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Statement of Cash Flows Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Net loss Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Accounts receivable and inventories Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Receivables And Inventories Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Receivables And Inventories Prepaid expenses, other assets, and contract assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current And Non-Current Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current And Non-Current Deferred revenue, contract liabilities, and long-term contract liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Accounts payable, accrued compensation, warranty, other, and other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Current contract assets Non-current contract assets Contract liabilities Long-term contract liabilities Debt and Line of Credit Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to value options as of their grant date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Results (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2023 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less amount representing interest (1.53%) Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of net minimum payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Interest rate Lessee, Capital Lease, Interest Rate Lessee, Capital Lease, Interest Rate Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Components of inventories Inventory Raw Material Work in Progress and Finished Goods [Abstract] Inventory raw material work in progress and finished goods. Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventories Schedule of Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Satellite HUBS For HTS Network Satellite HUBS For HTS Network [Member] Satellite HUBS For HTS Network [Member] Assets Held under Capital Leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital lease term Capital Lease Term Capital Lease Term Satellite hubs leased Number of Satellite Hubs Leased Number of Satellite Hubs Leased Gross costs Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Other Property, Plant, and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, Accumulated Depreciation Useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Capital assets depreciation expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract] Share Buyback Program Treasury Stock [Text Block] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Total long-term debt Long-term Debt Less amounts classified as current Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, excluding current portion Debt issuance costs, current Debt Issuance Costs, Current, Net Debt issuance costs, long-term Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Legal Matters Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current federal tax expense (benefit) Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal income tax expense (benefit), continuing operations Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Current state and local tax expense (benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred state and local income tax expense (benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local income tax expense (benefit), continuing operations State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Current foreign tax expense (benefit) Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign income tax expense (benefit), continuing operations Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Current income tax expense (benefit) Current 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Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Ending Balance, treasury stock, shares Ending Balance, shares Ending Balance Mini-VSAT Broadband Airtime Service VSAT Airtime Service Sales [Member] VSAT Airtime Service Sales [Member] Content and Training Services Training and Content Sales [Member] Training and Content Sales of Mobile Connectivity segment [Member] FOG-based Guidance and Navigation Systems FOG System Sales [Member] FOG System Sales [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Product Sales Concentration Risk Product Concentration Risk [Member] Service Sales Concentration Risk Service Concentration Risk [Member] Service Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue from Contract with Customer [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Non-US Non-US [Member] Canada CANADA Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Retirement Benefits [Abstract] 401(k) Plan Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Type of Allowance [Axis] Type of Allowance [Axis] Type of Allowance [Axis] - Doubtful Accounts for AR Type of Allowance [Domain] Type of Allowance [Domain] [Domain] for Type of Allowance [Axis] - Doubtful Accounts for AR Allowance, net of FX Allowance, net of FX [Member] Allowance, net of FX [Member] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Accounting Policies [Table] Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable [Roll Forward] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Additions Provision for Doubtful Accounts Deductions (write-offs/recoveries) from reserve Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Charge-Offs (Recoveries) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Charge-Offs (Recoveries) Ending balance Share Buyback Program (Textual) [Abstract] Share Buyback Program (Textual) [Abstract] Share buyback program. Common stock available for repurchase (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Number of other repurchase programs outstanding Stock Repurchase Program Other Outstanding Number Stock repurchase program other outstanding number. Number of stock repurchase programs other expired Stock Repurchase Program Other Expired Number Stock repurchase program other expired number. Stock repurchased during period (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchased during period, value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Provision for doubtful accounts Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Excluding Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Excluding Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Loss on disposals of fixed assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Compensation expense related to stock-based awards and employee stock purchase plan Share-based Compensation Unrealized currency translation (gain) loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses, other current assets, and current contract assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other non-current assets and non-current contract assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Deferred revenue, contract liabilities, and long-term contract liabilities Accrued compensation, product warranty, and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Cash paid for acquisition of intangible assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Maturities and sales of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of term note borrowings Repayments of Long-term loan Repayments of Long-term loan Proceeds from stock options exercised and employee stock purchase plan Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proceeds from stock options exercised and employee stock purchase plan. Payment of employee restricted stock withholdings Payments of employee restricted stock withholdings Payments of employee restricted stock withholdings. Proceeds from line of credit borrowings Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Sale of treasury stock Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock Payment of capital lease Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Other Payment of Stock Registration Fee Payment of stock registration fee. Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Changes in accrued other and accounts payable related to property and equipment additions Changes in Accrued Liabilities Related to Fixed Asset Additions Changes in accrued liabilities related to fixed asset additions. Deferred purchase price consideration related to asset acquisition included in accrued expenses Deferred purchase price consideration related to asset acquisition included in accrued expenses Deferred purchase price consideration related to asset acquisition included in accrued expenses Satellite hubs acquired under capital lease Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of service sales Cost of service sales [Member] Cost of service sales [Member] General administrative expense General and Administrative Expense [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Subscriber relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Distribution rights Distribution Rights [Member] Internally developed software Software Development [Member] Proprietary content Trade Secrets [Member] Intellectual property Intellectual Property [Member] Favorable lease Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization of Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding at December 31, unvested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding at December 31, unvested (in shares) Weighted- average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Outstanding at December 31, unvested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, unvested (in dollars per share) Product Liability Contingency [Table] Product Liability Contingency [Table] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] Product Liability Contingency [Line Items] Limited product warranty period Limited Product Warranty Period Limited product warranty period. Summary of product warranty activity Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Standard Product Warranty Accrual Charges to expense Product Warranty Expense Costs incurred Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease) Ending balance Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Expense Location [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Expense Location [Abstract] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Cost of product sales Cost of Goods, Total [Member] Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Sales, marketing and support Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] General and administrative Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Table] Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Line Items] Schedule of interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Notional (in thousands) Derivative, Notional Amount Asset (Liability) Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Effective Date Derivative, Inception Date Maturity Date Derivative, Maturity Date Index Derivative, Type of Interest Rate Paid on Swap Strike Rate Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Gross increase in unrecognized tax benefits - prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits due to currency fluctuations - prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Gross increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits due to currency fluctuations - prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Gross increase in unrecognized tax benefits - current year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Settlements with taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31 Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Accounts receivable, due to allowance for doubtful accounts Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Inventories Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Operating loss carry-forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Stock-based compensation expense Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Property and equipment, due to difference in depreciation Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Research and development, alternative minimum tax credit carry-forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax State tax credit carry-forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, State Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, State Capitalized research and development Deferred Tax Assets, in Process Research and Development Warranty reserve Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Purchased intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Property and equipment, due to differences in depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax asset- non-current Net deferred tax liability- non-current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] United States treasuries Amortized Cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Transferred at point in time Transferred at Point in Time [Member] Transferred over time Transferred over Time [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Total net sales Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Table] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Table] Nature of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense [Axis] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Line Items] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Line Items] Sales Operating expenses Operating Expenses Loss from operations Net (loss) income per share: Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents related to options and restricted stock awards excluded from fully diluted calculation (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic (in shares) Dilutive common shares issuable in connection with stock plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted (in shares) Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] ESPP Plan ESPP Plan [Member] ESPP Plan [Member] Stock-based compensation awards excluding ESPP Stock-based compensation awards excluding ESPP [Member] Stock-based compensation awards excluding ESPP [Member] Employee stock purchase plan Employee Stock [Member] Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract] Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract] Stock based compensation. Number of shares authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of additional shares authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Stock award, vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Stock award, exercise period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Award Exercise Period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Award Exercise Period Awards other than options, decrease in number of shares reserved for issuance (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Reduction Of Number of Shares Reserved For Issuance Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Reduction Of Number of Shares Reserved For Issuance Common stock, shares reserved for issuance (in shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Number of shares available for future grants (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Weighted-average fair value per share, options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock options, total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Cash received under stock option plans for exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Employee election percentage of pre-tax compensation withheld to purchase Company's common stock shares Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Awards, Pre-Tax Contibution Percentage Of Compensation Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Awards, Pre-Tax Contibution Percentage Of Compensation Percentage of Company's common stock share price Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instrument, Percentage Of Share Price Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instrument, Percentage Of Share Price Shares issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Employee stock purchase plan, discount percentage attributable to compensation expense Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instrument, Discount Percentage Attributable to Compensation Expense Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instrument, Discount Percentage Attributable to Compensation Expense Cash received under the employee stock purchase plan Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Treasury stock, shares outstanding Capital Lease Capital Leases in Financial Statements of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Property, plant and equipment, useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives Gain on settlement of royalty payments Gain on Settlement of Royalty Payments Gain on Settlement of Royalty Payments Sale of treasury stock (in shares) Purchase price (in USD per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Sales-type lease period Sales-Type Lease Financing, Period Sales-Type Lease Financing, Period Sales-type lease interest rate Sales-Type Lease Financing, Interest Rate Sales-Type Lease Financing, Interest Rate Concentration of Credit Risk and Single Source Suppliers Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Advertising Costs Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] Advertising expense Advertising Expense Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency transaction gain, before tax Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Right-to-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Number of Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at December 31 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Expired, canceled or forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Outstanding at December 31 (in shares) Exercisable at December 31 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options vested or expected to vest, number of option (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at December 31 (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired, canceled or forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31 (in dollars per share) Exercisable at December 31 (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options vested or expected to vest, weighted average exercise price (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Stock options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options vested or expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Stock options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Options vested or expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Operating income (loss) Net interest and other expense Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Acquisition Prior to 2013 Acquisition Prior to 2013 [Member] Acquisition Prior to 2013 [Member] Headland Media Limited Headland Media Limited [Member] Headland Media Limited [Member] Videotel Videotel [Member] Videotel [Member] Q1 2017 Acquisition Q1 2017 Acquisition [Member] Q1 2017 Acquisition [Member] Proprietary content Proprietary Content [Member] Proprietary Content [Member] Total weighted Average remaining useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Assets acquired Assets consideration Contingent Consideration from Acquisition, Annual Payment Contingent Consideration from Acquisition, Annual Payment. Contingent consideration arising from an asset purchase agreement, resulting in an annual payment from the Company to the third party. Amortization expense Weighted average remaining useful life in years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Employer matching contribution, percent Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Vesting period Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period Employer matching contribution, amount Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Amount Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Amount Discretionary contributions Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/Income - Reclassification [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/Income - Reclassification [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Marketable Securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Interest Rate Swaps Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Amounts reclassified from AOCI to Other income, net Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,685 and $2,852 as of December 31, 2018 & December 31, 2017, respectively Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $48,797 and $51,099 as of December 31, 2018 & December 31, 2017, respectively Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $24,703 and $20,656 as of December 31, 2018 & December 31, 2017, respectively Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Other non-current assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation and employee-related expenses Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued product warranty costs Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Deferred revenue Current portion of long-term debt Liability for uncertain tax positions Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-current deferred income tax liability Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 30,000,000 shares, 19,026,393 and 18,787,816 shares issued at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; and 17,743,971 and 17,128,825 shares outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Stockholders equity before treasury stock adjustment Stockholders Equity Before Treasury Stock Adjustment Stockholders Equity Before Treasury Stock Adjustment Less: treasury stock at cost, common stock, 1,282,422 and 1,658,991 shares as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to value options as of their grant date Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of share-based compensation, stock options, activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of share-based compensation, restricted stock and restricted stock units activity Nonvested Restricted Stock Shares Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of share-based compensation, activity Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: Income Tax Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) In Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Income Tax Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) In Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Income tax benefit at Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State income tax expense, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount State research and development, investment credits Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, State Research And Investment Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, State Research And Investment Non-deductible meals & entertainment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Meals and Entertainment, Amount Non-deductible stock compensation expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount Non-deductible transaction costs Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount Subpart F income, net of foreign tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Controlled Foreign Corporation Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Controlled Foreign Corporation, Amount GILTI Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, Amount Foreign branch income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Nontaxable interest income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Amount Foreign tax rate differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Federal research and development credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount Uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount Provision to tax return adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount Change in tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Foreign research and development incentives Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Other, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Summary of product warranty activity Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Revenue and related development costs, customer-funded research and development costs Revenue And Related Development Costs, Customer-Funded Research And Development Costs [Table Text Block] Revenue And Related Development Costs, Customer-Funded Research And Development Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Intangible Asset Useful Lives [Abstract] Intangible Asset Useful Lives [Abstract] Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life in Years Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Axis] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Capitalized Contract Cost [Domain] Commissions Commissions [Member] Commissions [Member] Accumulated deficit Total liabilities Amortization period of customer contract costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period Deferred revenue and associated fulfillment costs, recognition period Estimated Customer Life, Amortization Period Estimated Customer Life, Amortization Period Decrease in revenues Decrease in cost of revenues Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Buildings and improvements Machinery, satellite hubs and equipment, and video-on-demand units Machinery, Satellite Hubs and Equipment [Member] Machinery, Satellite Hubs and Equipment [Member] Office and computer equipment Motor vehicles Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textual) [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textual) [Abstract] Derivative instruments and hedging activities. Derivative term Derivative, Term of Contract Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax