Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Before-Tax Amount	$ 2,012	$ 332	$ 4,024	$ 664
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(809)	(144)	(1,617)	(278)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Net-of Tax Amount	1,203	188	2,407	386
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive (loss) income, Before-Tax Amount	(869)	2,842	39	512
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive (loss) income, Tax (Expense) Benefit	347	(1,219)	(18)	(282)
Proportionate share of Telesat Holdco other comprehensive (loss) income, Net-of Tax Amount	(522)	1,623	21	230
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges, Before-Tax Amount	1,392	(3,968)	(285)	(15,541)
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges, Tax (Effect) Benefit	(560)	1,581	115	6,248
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges, Net-of Tax Amount	832	(2,387)	(170)	(9,293)
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss included in net income, Before-Tax Amount	1,879	4,332	5,156	6,181
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss included in net income, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(754)	(1,740)	(2,073)	(2,485)
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) included in net income	(1,125)	(2,592)	(3,083)	(3,696)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, Before-Tax Amount	3,271	364	4,871	(9,360)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(1,314)	(159)	(1,958)	3,763
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, Net-of Tax Amount	1,957	205	2,913	(5,597)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, Before-Tax Amount	(374)	(39)	(217)	(216)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, Tax (Expense) Benefit	150	17	87	87
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, Net-of Tax Amount	(224)	(22)	(130)	(129)
Other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount	4,040	3,499	8,717	(8,400)
Deferred tax benefit provision in other comprehensive income	(1,626)	(1,505)	(3,506)	3,290
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of Tax Amount	$ 2,414	$ 1,994	$ 5,211	$ (5,110)