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, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	$ (44,413)	[1]	$ (19,283)	[1]	$ 64,363	[1]	$ (2,169)	[1]	$ 12,618	[1]	$ 33,358	[1]	$ 132	[1]	$ (7,281)	[1]	$ (1,502)	$ 38,827	$ 34,340
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates																	24,698	47,251	40,814
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates																	(26,200)	(5,854)	(6,474)
Other Affiliates [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates																		$ (2,570)

[1] The quarterly earnings per share information is computed separately for each period. Therefore, the sum of such quarterly per share amounts may differ from the total for the year.