Investments In Affiliates (Equity In Net Income (Losses) Of Affiliates) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates	$ (2,762)	$ 41,586	$ (11,353)	$ 6,869	$ 113,405	[1]	$ (77,262)	[1]	$ 23,940	[1]	$ 46,246	[1]	$ 34,340	$ 106,329	$ 85,625
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates													40,814	114,476	92,798
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates													(6,474)	(6,681)	(6,991)
Other Affiliates [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates														$ (1,466)	$ (182)

[1] As a result of the Sale of SS/L on November 2, 2012, our 2011 selected quarterly financial information has been restated to reflect SS/L as a discontinued operation.