CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net loss	$ (93,246)	$ (21,215)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion	49,277	35,512
Change in fair value of derivative assets and liabilities	2,562	(34,090)
Stock-based compensation expense	585	1,908
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,498	2,734
Provisions for bad debt	695	2,245
Contingent reimbursements	106	1,853
Noncash interest expense	9,415
Reduction in the value of long-lived assets and equipment	8,176	4,885
Contract termination charges	22,048
Foreign currency and other, net	1,843	1,569
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,919)	(1,955)
Inventory	(240)	3,240
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,459	(1,395)
Other assets	6,253	(831)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	360	(2,202)
Payables to affiliates	(147)	(500)
Other non-current liabilities	(1,093)	(2,546)
Deferred revenue	2,246	(62)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	10,878	(10,850)
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Second-generation satellites, ground and related launch costs	(43,305)	(71,212)
Property and equipment additions	(382)	(2,385)
Investment in businesses	(450)	(500)
Restricted cash	(3,650)	(10,436)
Net cash used in investing activities	(47,787)	(84,533)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings from Facility Agreement	5,008	18,659
Proceeds from contingent equity agreement	23,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of warrants	100	526
Proceeds from the issuance of 5.0% convertible notes		38,000
Borrowings from subordinated loan agreement		12,500
Payment of deferred financing costs	(250)	(925)
Net cash from financing activities	27,858	68,760
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	319	(314)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(8,732)	(26,937)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	9,951	33,017
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,219	6,080
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	18,958	19,097
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	216	82
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Reduction in accrued second-generation satellites and ground costs	4,646	3,992
Increase in capitalized accrued interest for second-generation satellites and ground costs	4,309	1,117
Capitalization of the accretion of debt discount and amortization of prepaid finance costs	6,786	17,962
Capitalized interest paid in common stock on the 5% and 8% Notes	2,874	1,799
Conversion of convertible notes into common stock	2,000	1,000
Payments made in Common Stock	1,755	1,740
Reduction in assets and liabilities due to note conversions and warrant exercises	1,812	1,538
Conversion of contingent equity account derivative liability to equity	5,853	5,955
Value of warrants issued in connection with the contingent equity account loan fee	2,226	8,318
Recognition of a beneficial conversion feature on long-term debt		17,100
Value of warrants issued in connection with raising capital and debt		8,081
Recognition of contingent reimbursement		$ 1,852