Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Related Tax Effects) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Before-Tax Amount	[1]	$ 205	$ 130	$ 1,058	$ 336
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount		(1,318)	2,334		3,815
Other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount		(1,113)	2,464	1,058	4,151
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Tax (Provision) Benefit		(76)	(49)	(394)	(126)
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Provision) Benefit		491	(872)		(1,433)
Other comprehensive income, Tax (Provision) Benefit		415	(921)	(394)	(1,559)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial gain (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount		129	81	664	210
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount		(827)	1,462		2,382
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount		$ (698)	$ 1,543	$ 664	$ 2,592

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