Investments in Affiliates (Equity in Net Income (Losses) of Affiliates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	$ 42,004	$ 5,094
Telesat Canada [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	$ 42,004	$ 5,094

- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

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