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, 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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (13,731)	[1],[2]	$ (25,880)	[1],[2]	$ 53,002	[1],[2]	$ (14,818)	[1],[2]	$ 2,863	[1],[2]	$ 37,582	[1],[2]	$ (5,402)	[1],[2]	$ (13,587)	[1],[2]	$ (1,427)	$ 21,456	$ 100,442
Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options																		(641)	(683)
Income (loss) from continuing operations - diluted																		$ 20,815	$ 99,759

[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.

[2] Variations in income from continuing operations among quarters in 2014 and 2013 are primarily the result of (i) the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar on our equity in net income (loss) of Telesat and (ii) the limitation on recording our portion of Telesat’s net income or loss due to the reduction of the carrying amount of our investment in Telesat to zero as a result of the excess of cash dividends received from Telesat in 2012. Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 included an impairment charge to reduce our investment in XTAR to its fair value. Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 included expense related to refinancing.