Pensions And Other Employee Benefits Plans (Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified to statements of operations upon disposition of SS/L, Before-Tax Amount	$ (123,377)
Post Retirement Benefits, Before-Tax Amount	(131,459)	84,720	28,920
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial losses and prior service credits, Before-Tax Amount	498	(83,828)
Prior service credit during the period	1,497
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Before-Tax Amount	9,773	5,379
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,266)	(2,719)
Recognition due to curtailment	(1,497)
Amounts reclassified to statements of operations upon disposition of SS/L, Before-Tax Amount	135,618
Post Retirement Benefits, Before-Tax Amount	143,623	(81,168)
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial losses and prior service credits, Before-Tax Amount	967	(1,768)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Before-Tax Amount	(279)	(1,056)
Amortization of prior service credit	(611)	(728)
Amounts reclassified to statements of operations upon disposition of SS/L, Before-Tax Amount	(12,241)
Post Retirement Benefits, Before-Tax Amount	$ (12,164)	$ (3,552)