Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 28, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 81,626	$ 259,067
Restricted cash			304	304
Operating lease liability			677
Right-of-use asset			671	988	$ 300
Dividends Payable, Date Declared		Apr. 30, 2020
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 5.50
Dividends, Cash	$ 170,100
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid		May 28, 2020
Dividends Payable, Date of Record		May 14, 2020
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Operating lease liability					300
Right-of-use asset					$ 300
Telesat Canada [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates, guarantee or other funding obligations			$ 0	$ 0