Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)

v3.8.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,162 $ 3,043  
Inventory 3,495 2,475  
Amortization of intangible assets $ 236,788 246,753 $ 258,668
Employee Stock Option      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Dividend rate 0.00%    
Subscriber Accounts      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, useful life 15 years    
Amortization rate using declining balance method 220.00%    
Amortization of intangible assets $ 226,697 236,673 238,800
Dealer Networks and Other Intangible Assets      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization of intangible assets $ 9,830 $ 9,830 $ 19,501
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 5 years    
LiveWatch Trademark      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 10 years    
Security Networks LLC and Certain Affiliated Entities | Subscriber Accounts      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, useful life 14 years    
Amortization rate using declining balance method 235.00%