Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Related Tax Effects) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credits, Before-Tax Amount			$ (564)				$ (564)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Before-Tax Amount	130	[1]	1,559	[1]	336	[1]	4,573	[1]
Post retirement benefits, Before-Tax Amount	130		995		336		4,009
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount	2,334		(127)		3,815		(127)
Other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount	2,464		868		4,151		3,882
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credits, Tax (Provision) Benefit			245				245
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Tax (Provision) Benefit	(49)		(631)		(126)		(1,782)
Post retirement benefits, Tax (Provision) Benefit	(49)		(386)		(126)		(1,537)
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Provision) Benefit	(872)		44		(1,433)		44
Other comprehensive income, Tax (Provision) Benefit	(921)		(342)		(1,559)		(1,493)
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credits, Net-of-Tax Amount			(319)				(319)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial gain (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount	81		928		210		2,791
Postretirement benefits, Net- of-Tax	81		609		210		2,472
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount	1,462		(83)		2,382		(83)
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount	$ 1,543		$ 526		$ 2,592		$ 2,389

[1] Reclassifications are included in general and administrative expenses.