Discontinued Operations (Summary of SS/L's Operating Results Included in Income from Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 280,305		$ 861,395
Operating income		4,665		15,788
Income before income taxes		9,127		34,165
Income tax benfit (provision)	1,200	(4,856)	2,700	(16,449)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (1,987)	$ 4,271	$ (4,352)	$ 17,716