Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)

v3.7.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3,043 $ 2,762  
Amortization of intangible assets $ 246,753 258,668 $ 253,403
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Excess tax benefit, amount   443  
Net cash provided by operating activities   318 416
Net cash provided by financing activities     (416)
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 $ 236,673 238,800 233,327
Dealer Networks and Other Intangible Assets      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization of intangible assets $ 9,830 $ 19,501 $ 19,780
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%