Contracts-In-Process And Long-Term Receivables (Receivable Balances Related To Land Note Receivable And The Telesat Consulting Services Fee) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process	$ 102,250	$ 377,525
Less: current portion included in contracts-in-process	(34,917)	(14,837)
Long-term receivables	67,333	362,688
Orbitals Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process		354,852
Deferred Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process		1,973
Land Note [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process	101,000
Land Note And Consulting Services [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process	102,250
Land Note And Consulting Services [Member] | 2013 [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process	34,917
Land Note And Consulting Services [Member] | 2014 [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process	33,667
Land Note And Consulting Services [Member] | 2015 [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Financing receivables excluding unbilled contracts in process	$ 33,666