Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Dilutive Impact Of Equity Method Investee Stock Options) (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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership interest as a result of dilution upon the exercise of stock options													62.30%
Income (loss) from continuing operations - basic	$ 45,646	$ 65,404	$ (9,718)	$ (890)	$ 92,132	[1]	$ (97,555)	[1]	$ 14,841	[1]	$ 43,190	[1]	$ 100,442	$ 52,608	$ 387,589
Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options													(683)	(4,352)	(4,177)
Income (loss) from continuing operations- diluted													$ 99,759	$ 48,256	$ 383,412

[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.