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, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates	$ 113,405	$ (77,262)	$ 23,940	$ 46,246	$ 45,396	$ 40,011	$ (44,374)	$ 44,592	$ 106,329	$ 85,625	$ 210,298
Telesat Holdings Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates									114,476	92,798	213,241
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates									(6,681)	(6,991)	(2,743)
Other [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of affiliates									$ (1,466)	$ (182)	$ (200)