Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Loral - Beam Sharing Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash received	$ 3,845	$ 8,230
Telesat Canada - Beam Sharing Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash received	8,085
Loral - ordinary course of business [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash received		3,876
Telesat Canada - ordinary course of business [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash received	2,843	1,166
Cash paid	5,707	6,046
Loral - satellite construction contract [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash paid	$ 2,566	$ 23,096