Discontinued Operations (Summary of SS/L's Operating Results which are Included in Income from Discontinued Operations) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 280,305	$ 268,845	$ 861,395	$ 801,166
Operating income	4,665	18,447	15,788	73,032
Income before income taxes	9,127	22,054	34,165	85,275
Income tax provision	(4,856)	(1,797)	(16,449)	(25,628)
Net income	$ 4,271	$ 20,257	$ 17,716	$ 59,647