Other Comprehensive Income (Other Comprehensive Income And Related Tax Effects) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Before-Tax Amount	$ 2,012	$ 332
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(808)	(134)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Net-of Tax Amount	1,204	198
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount	908	(2,330)
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) Benefit	(365)	937
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of Tax Amount	543	(1,393)
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges, Before-Tax Amount	(1,677)	(11,572)
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges, Tax (Effect) Benefit	675	4,666
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges, Net-of Tax Amount	(1,002)	(6,906)
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss included in net income, Before-Tax Amount	3,277	1,849
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss included in net income, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(1,319)	(745)
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss included in net income, Net-of Tax Amount	1,958	1,104
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, Before-Tax Amount	1,600	(9,723)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(644)	3,921
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, Net-of Tax Amount	956	(5,802)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, Before-Tax Amount	157	(177)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(63)	70
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, Net-of Tax Amount	94	(107)
Other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount	4,677	(11,898)
Other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Expense) Benefit	(1,880)	4,794
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of Tax Amount	$ 2,797	$ (7,104)