Investments In Affiliates (Investments In Affiliates) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$ 446,235	$ 362,556
Telesat Holdings Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	377,244	295,797
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	68,991	65,293
Other [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates		$ 1,466