Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares, Non-vested SS/L Phantom SARs at January 1, 2011	70,811
Shares, Granted	15,000
Shares, Vested	(61,211)
Shares, Forfeited
Shares, Non-vested SS/L Phantom SARs at December 31, 2011	24,600
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value, Non-vested Restricted Stock Units at January 1, 2011	$ 18.25
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 64.11
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 15.88
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value, Forfeited
Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value, Non-vested Restricted Stock Units at December 31, 2011	$ 52.11

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

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The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

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- Definition

The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

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- Definition

The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

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