Intelsat (INTEQ) 20-F 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'20-F
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY
Trading Symbol	'I
Entity Registrant Name	'INTELSAT S.A.
Entity Central Index Key	'0001525773
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	105,973,137

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current asset	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$247,790		$187,485
Receivables, net of allowance of $23,583 in 2012 and $35,288 in 2013	236,347		282,214
Deferred income taxes	44,475		94,779
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,224		38,708
Total current assets	561,836		603,186
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,805,540		6,355,192
Goodwill	6,780,827		6,780,827
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,458,100		2,458,100
Amortizable intangible assets, net	568,775		651,087
Other assets	414,592		417,454
Total assets	16,589,670		17,265,846
Current liabilities	'		'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	145,186		178,961
Taxes payable	9,526		9,366
Employee related liabilities	28,227		46,590
Accrued interest payable	186,492		367,686
Current portion of long-term debt	24,418		57,466
Deferred satellite performance incentives	22,703		21,479
Deferred revenue	84,185		84,066
Other current liabilities	72,840		72,715
Total current liabilities	573,577		838,329
Long-term debt, net of current portion	15,262,996		15,846,728
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	153,904		172,663
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	888,239		834,161
Deferred income taxes	202,638		286,673
Accrued retirement benefits	196,856		299,187
Other long-term liabilities	246,127		300,195
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 15 and 16)	'		'
Shareholders' deficit:	'		'
5.75% Series A mandatory convertible junior non-voting preferred shares; nominal value $0.01 per share; aggregate liquidation preference of $172,500 ($50 per share)	35		'
Common shares; nominal value $0.01 per share	1,060	[1]	832	[1]
Paid-in capital	2,099,218	[1]	1,519,429	[1]
Accumulated deficit	-3,015,273		-2,759,593
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-60,393		-118,428
Total Intelsat S.A. shareholders' deficit	-975,353		-1,357,760
Noncontrolling interest	40,686		45,670
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$16,589,670		$17,265,846
[1]	Common shares and paid-in capital amounts reflect the retroactive impact of the former Class A and Class B share reclassification into common shares and the share splits related to our Initial Public Offering. See Note 1-Background of Company-Initial Public Offering for further discussion.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowance	$35,288	$23,583
Preferred shares, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation preference	$172,500	$172,500
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation preference, per shares	$50	$50
Common shares, par value	$0.01	$0.01

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue	$642,848	$651,844	$653,803	$655,127	$672,368	$654,946	$638,668	$644,169	$2,603,623	$2,610,152	$2,588,426
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	375,769	415,900	417,179
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	288,467	204,025	208,381
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	736,567	764,903	769,440
Losses on derivative financial instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,064	39,935	24,635
Gain on satellite insurance recoveries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,618	'	'
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,399,249	1,424,763	1,419,635
Income from operations	330,604	308,082	255,638	310,049	311,611	300,959	281,543	291,275	1,204,374	1,185,389	1,168,791
Interest expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,114,197	1,270,848	1,310,563
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	-366,800	'	-24,300	'	-43,400	'	-368,089	-73,542	-326,183
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,658
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,918	-10,128	1,955
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-282,830	-169,129	-490,658
Benefit from income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-30,837	-19,631	-55,393
Net loss	73,615	88,574	-407,266	-6,916	-4,755	-35,349	-84,328	-25,067	-251,993	-149,498	-435,265
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,687	-1,639	1,106
Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$72,631	$87,798	($408,305)	($7,804)	($5,750)	($35,430)	($84,710)	($25,248)	($255,680)	($151,137)	($434,159)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($2.70)	($1.82)	($5.23)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss	($251,993)	($149,498)	($435,265)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrecognized prior service credits included in net periodic pension costs, net of tax	-107	-110	-109
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss included in net periodic pension costs, net of tax	12,320	5,178	4,328
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of tax	45,070	-12,356	-39,299
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	629	388	59
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss on investments, net of tax	123	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	58,035	-6,900	-35,021
Comprehensive loss	-193,958	-156,398	-470,286
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3,687	-1,639	1,106
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.	($197,645)	($158,037)	($469,180)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes In Shareholders' Deficit (USD $)		Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Intelsat S.A. Shareholders' Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	[1]	'	'	$832	$1,445,642	($2,174,297)	($76,507)	($804,330)	$1,902
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	[1]	'	0	83,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss		-434,159	'	'	'	-434,159	'	-434,159	1,136
Consolidation of entities	[2]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,263
Mark to market valuation adjustment for redeemable noncontrolling interest		'	'	'	15,090	'	'	15,090	'
Change in classification of certain equity awards		'	'	'	56,760	'	'	56,760	'
Vesting of equity awards of certain executive officers		'	'	'	2,775	'	'	2,775	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,375
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax		'	'	'	'	'	-35,080	-35,080	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		59	'	'	'	'	59	59	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		'	'	832	1,520,267	-2,608,456	-111,528	-1,198,885	50,926
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		'	0	83,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss		-151,137	'	'	'	-151,137	'	-151,137	3,582
Mark to market valuation adjustment for redeemable noncontrolling interest		-7,663	'	'	-7,663	'	'	-7,663	'
Vesting of equity awards of certain executive officers		6,825	'	'	6,825	'	'	6,825	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-8,838	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,838
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax		-7,288	'	'	'	'	-7,288	-7,288	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		388	'	'	'	'	388	388	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		-1,357,760	'	832	1,519,429	-2,759,593	-118,428	-1,357,760	45,670
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		'	0	83,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss		-255,680	'	'	'	-255,680	'	-255,680	3,687
Initial public offering, net of costs (in shares)		'	3,500,000	22,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Initial public offering, net of costs		542,796	35	222	542,539	'	'	542,796	'
Change in classification of certain equity awards		18,899	'	'	18,899	'	'	18,899	'
Vesting of equity awards of certain executive officers		28,553	'	'	'	'	'	28,553	'
Share-based compensation		'	'	6	28,547	'	'	28,553	'
Share-based compensation (in shares)		'	'	600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-8,671	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,671
Declaration of preferred stock dividend		-10,196	'	'	-10,196	'	'	-10,196	'
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, net of tax		57,283	'	'	'	'	57,283	57,283	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		629	'	'	'	'	752	752	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		($975,353)	$35	$1,060	$2,099,218	($3,015,273)	($60,393)	($975,353)	$40,686
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		'	3,500,000	106,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	Common shares and paid-in capital amounts reflect the retroactive impact of the former Class A and Class B share reclassification into common shares and the share splits related to our Initial Public Offering. See Note 1-Background of Company-Initial Public Offering for further discussion.
[2]	See Note 10-Investments for further discussion of the consolidation of Horizons Holdings.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes In Shareholders' Deficit (Parenthetical) (Intelsat S.A. Shareholders' Deficit [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intelsat S.A. Shareholders' Deficit [Member]	'	'	'
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment, tax	$34.90	($1.90)	$27.70
Other comprehensive income, tax	($0.40)	($0.20)	$0.10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net loss	($251,993)	($149,498)	($435,265)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	736,567	764,903	769,440
Provision for doubtful accounts	29,599	8,911	5,129
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	6,003	7,329	-1,375
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets	338	-12,647	846
Gain on satellite insurance recoveries	-9,618	'	'
Share-based compensation	25,289	6,825	2,775
Deferred income taxes	-65,347	-61,889	-72,866
Amortization of discount, premium, issuance costs and related costs	46,026	57,305	62,855
Interest paid-in-kind	'	4,949	27,291
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	368,089	73,542	326,183
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	24,658
Unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments	-19,740	-9,004	-54,663
Termination of third-party commitment costs and expenses	'	10,000	'
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credits for retirement benefits	19,613	14,506	6,690
Other non-cash items	234	-4,382	162
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables	16,269	-3,559	-38,162
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-6,117	-1,086	-8,889
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-202,526	15,619	25,495
Deferred revenue	49,924	124,458	296,414
Accrued retirement benefits	-29,732	-26,627	-20,693
Other long-term liabilities	4,014	1,655	-128
Net cash provided by operating activities	716,892	821,310	915,897
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	-600,792	-866,016	-844,688
Proceeds from sale of building, net of fees	'	82,415	'
Proceeds from insurance settlements	487,930	'	'
Payment on satellite performance incentives from insurance proceeds	-19,199	'	'
Capital contributions to previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	-12,209
Other investing activities	-2,000	'	16,466
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-134,061	-783,601	-840,431
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-6,904,162	-2,474,811	-6,331,144
Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders	-868	-1,683	-3,425
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt	-311,224	-65,920	-171,047
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	6,254,688	2,451,521	6,119,425
Debt issuance costs	-84,845	-27,384	-70,091
Proceeds from initial public offering	572,500	'	'
Stock issuance costs	-26,683	'	'
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-5,235	'	'
Noncontrolling interest in New Dawn	'	'	1,734
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	-17,503	-15,969	-14,111
Repurchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	-8,744	'
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest	12,209	12,209	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	-8,671	-8,838	'
Other financing activities	3,271	'	-10,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-516,523	-139,619	-478,659
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-6,003	-7,329	1,375
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	60,305	-109,239	-401,818
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	187,485	296,724	698,542
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	247,790	187,485	296,724
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'	'
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	1,249,630	1,194,419	1,196,666
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	38,784	33,103	16,143
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:	'	'	'
Capitalization of deferred satellite performance incentives	'	82,959	'
Accrued capital expenditures	66,578	78,494	86,069
Restricted cash received	'	23,901	94,131
Restricted cash paid	'	($118,032)	'

Background_of_Company

Background of Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Background of Company	'
	Note 1 Background of Company
	Intelsat S.A. (the “Company”, “we”,” us” or “our”) provides satellite communications services worldwide through a global communications network of over 50 satellites in orbit as of December 31, 2013 and ground facilities related to the satellite operations and control, and teleport services.
	On March 30, 2012, Intelsat Global S.A. (“Intelsat Global”), a former subsidiary of the Company, and certain of its subsidiaries engaged in a series of transactions that resulted in Intelsat Global Holdings S.A. (“Intelsat Global Holdings”), a new holding company, acquiring all of the outstanding shares of Intelsat Global. As a result, Intelsat Global became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat Global Holdings, and all of Intelsat Global Holdings’ equity became beneficially owned by the former shareholders of Intelsat Global in the same proportions as such shareholders’ former ownership in Intelsat Global. Further, on May 31, 2012, Intelsat Global merged with and into Intelsat Investment Holdings S.à r.l, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat Global Holdings.
	On April 16, 2013, the name of the Company was changed from Intelsat Global Holdings S.A. to Intelsat S.A.
	Initial Public Offering
	On April 23, 2013, we completed our initial public offering, in which we issued 22,222,222 common shares, and a concurrent public offering, in which we issued 3,450,000 5.75% Series A mandatory convertible junior non-voting preferred shares (the “Series A Preferred Shares”), at public offering prices of $18.00 and $50.00 per share, respectively (the initial public offering together with the concurrent public offering, the “IPO”) for total proceeds of $572.5 million (or approximately $550 million after underwriting discounts and commissions). Prior to the consummation of the IPO, each of our former Class A common shares (the “Class A Shares”) was reclassified into one of our common shares and each of our former Class B common shares (the “Class B Shares”) was reclassified into 0.0735 of our common shares. In addition, immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, an equivalent of a share split was effected by distributing common shares pro rata to existing holders of our common shares, so that each existing holder received approximately 4.6 additional common shares for each common share owned at that time (together, the “IPO Reorganization Transactions”). The effect of these reclassifications on outstanding shares, potentially dilutive shares and earnings per share (“EPS”) has been retroactively applied to the financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
	The net proceeds from the IPO were primarily used to redeem all of the outstanding $353.6 million aggregate principal amount of the Intelsat Investments 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2013 (the “Intelsat Investments Notes”) and to prepay $138.2 million of indebtedness outstanding under Intelsat Jackson’s Senior Unsecured Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2008, consisting of a senior unsecured term loan facility due February 2014 (the “New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility”) (see Note 12—Long-Term Debt).
	In connection with the IPO, certain repurchase rights upon employee separation that were included in various share-based compensation agreements of management contractually expired. Also in connection with the IPO, our board of directors adopted the Intelsat S.A. 2013 Share Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Plan”) effective April 18, 2013, to provide for equity incentive awards to management and members of the board of directors. See Note 5—Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans for further discussion.
	Additionally, in connection with the IPO, in April 2013, a monitoring fee agreement dated February 4, 2008 (the “2008 MFA”) was terminated (see Note 18(b)—Related Party Transactions—Monitoring Fee Agreement).

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies
	(a)	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Intelsat S.A., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of two VIEs, as more fully described in Note 10—Investments, and accordingly, we include in our consolidated financial statements the assets and liabilities and results of operations of those entities, even though we may not own a majority voting interest. We use the equity method to account for our investments in entities where we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but do not retain control under either the voting interest model (generally 20% to 50% ownership interest) or the variable interest model. We have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.
	(b)	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods, and the disclosures of contingent liabilities. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ from those estimates.
	(c)	Revenue Recognition
	We earn revenue from providing satellite services and managed services to customers. We enter into contracts with customers to provide satellite transponders and transponder capacity and, in certain cases, earth stations and teleport facilities, for periods typically ranging from one year to the life of the satellite. Our revenue recognition policies are as follows:
	Satellite Utilization Charges. We generally recognize revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the related customer contract unless collectability is not reasonably assured. Revenues from occasional use services are recognized as the services are performed. We have certain obligations, including providing spare or substitute capacity if available, in the event of satellite service failure under certain long-term agreements. We generally are not obligated to refund satellite utilization payments previously made.
	Satellite Related Consulting and Technical Services. We recognize revenue from the provision of consulting services as those services are performed. We recognize revenue for consulting services with specific deliverables, such as Transfer Orbit Support Services or training programs, upon the completion of those services.
	Tracking, Telemetry and Commanding (“TT&C”). We earn TT&C services revenue from providing operational services to other satellite owners and from certain customers on our satellites. TT&C agreements entered into in connection with our satellite utilization contracts are typically for the period of the related service agreement. We recognize this revenue ratably over the term of the service agreement.
	In-Orbit Backup Services. We provide back-up transponder capacity that is held on reserve for certain customers on agreed-upon terms. We recognize revenues for in-orbit protection services ratably over the term of the related agreement.
	Revenue Share Arrangements. We recognize revenues under revenue share agreements for satellite-related services either on a gross or net basis in accordance with the principal versus agent considerations topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) or (the “Codification”) which provides guidance and specifies when an entity should report revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent, depending on the nature of the specific contractual relationship.
	Construction Program Management. Construction program management arrangements that extend beyond one year are accounted for in accordance with the Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts topic of the Codification. We generally account for long-term, fixed price, development and production contracts under the percentage of completion method. We measure progress towards contract completion using the cost-to-cost method.
	We may sell these products or services individually or in some combination to our customers. When these products and services are sold together, we account for the multiple elements under FASB ASC Topic 605-25, Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements (“FASB ASC 605-25”). FASB ASC 605-25 provides guidance on accounting for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. We allocate revenue for transactions or collaborations that include multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on each element’s relative selling price, and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when the applicable revenue recognition criteria have been met.
	(d)	Fair Value Measurements
	We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments using available market information and valuation methodologies. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.
	FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“FASB ASC 820”) defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC 820 requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date. FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis.
	The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows:
		•		Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
		•		Level 2—quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and
		•		Level 3—unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	(e)	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are generally time deposits with banks and money market funds. The carrying amount of these investments approximates market value.
	(f)	Receivables and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
	We provide satellite services and extend credit to numerous customers in the satellite communication, telecommunications and video markets. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and anticipated losses. We believe we have adequate customer collateral and reserves to cover our exposure. If we determine that the collection of payments is not reasonably assured at the time the respective service is provided, we defer recognition of the revenue until we believe collection is reasonably assured or the payment is received.
	(g)	Satellites and Other Property and Equipment
	Satellites and other property and equipment are stated at historical cost, or in the case of certain satellites acquired, the fair value at the date of acquisition. Capitalized costs consist primarily of the costs of satellite construction and launch, including launch insurance and insurance during the period of in-orbit testing, the net present value of performance incentives expected to be payable to the satellite manufacturers (dependent on the continued satisfactory performance of the satellites), costs directly associated with the monitoring and support of satellite construction, and interest costs incurred during the period of satellite construction.
	We depreciate satellites and other property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
			Years
	Buildings and improvements		10 - 40
	Satellites and related costs		17-Nov
	Ground segment equipment and software		15-Apr
	Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware		12-Apr
	Leasehold improvements (1)		12-Feb
	-1	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.
	(h)	Other Assets
	Other assets consist of investments in certain equity securities, unamortized debt issuance costs, long-term deposits, long-term receivables and other miscellaneous deferred charges and long-term assets. Debt issuance costs represent our costs incurred to secure debt financing, which are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related indebtedness.
	(i)	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“FASB ASC 350”). Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and certain other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested on an annual basis for impairment during the fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
	Intangible assets arising from business combinations are initially recorded at fair value. We record other intangible assets at cost. We amortize intangible assets with determinable lives (consisting of backlog, customer relationships, and technologies) based on the expected pattern of consumption. We review these intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
	(j)	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including property and equipment and acquired intangible assets with estimable useful lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. These indicators of impairment can include, but are not limited to, the following:
		•		satellite anomalies, such as a partial or full loss of power;
		•		under-performance of an asset compared to expectations; and
		•		shortened useful lives due to changes in the way an asset is used or expected to be used.
	The recoverability of an asset to be held and used is determined by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we record an impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, which we determine by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing discounted cash flow techniques.
	(k)	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740—Income Taxes. We are subject to income taxes in the United States as well as a number of other foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in the calculation of our tax provision and the resultant tax liabilities and in the recoverability of our deferred tax assets that arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense and net operating loss and credit carryforwards.
	We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets can be recovered. A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets based in part on the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to realize the deferred tax assets.
	During the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We evaluate our tax positions to determine if it is more likely than not that a tax position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and presuming the taxing authorities have full knowledge of the position and access to all relevant facts and information. When a tax position does not meet the more likely than not standard, we record a liability for the entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefit. Additionally, for those tax positions that are determined more likely than not to be sustainable, we measure the tax position at the largest amount of benefit more likely than not (determined by cumulative probability) to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority.
	(l)	Foreign Currency Translation
	Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, since substantially all customer contracts, capital expenditure contracts and operating expense obligations are denominated in U.S. dollars. Transactions not denominated in U.S. dollars have been translated using the spot rates of exchange at the dates of the transactions. We recognize differences on exchange arising on the settlement of the transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar in the consolidated statement of operations.
	(m)	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income or loss and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income or loss. Such items consist primarily of the change in the market value of available-for-sale securities and pension liability adjustments.
	(n)	Share-Based Compensation
	Compensation cost is recognized based on the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC 718”), for all share-based awards granted.
	Awards are measured at the grant date based on the fair value as calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for share options, a Monte Carlo simulation model for awards with market conditions, or the closing market price at the grant date for awards of shares or restricted shares units. For share-based awards recognized as liability awards prior to the IPO, we recorded compensation cost based on the fair value of such awards. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period, based on attainment of certain vesting requirements.
	The determination of the value of certain awards requires considerable judgment, including estimating expected volatility, expected term and risk-free rate. The Company’s expected volatility is based on the average volatility rates of similar actively-traded companies over the range of each award’s estimated expected term, which is based on the midpoint between the expected vesting time and the remaining contractual life. The risk-free rate is derived from the applicable Constant Maturity Treasury rate.
	Prior to the IPO, we estimated the fair market value of our equity at each reporting period in order to properly record stock compensation expense. We estimated the fair market value using a combination of the income and market approaches, and allocated a 50% weighting to each approach. The income approach quantifies the future cash flows that we expect to achieve consistent with our annual business plan and forecasting processes. These future cash flows are discounted to their net present values using an estimated rate corresponding to a weighted average cost of capital. Our forecasted cash flows are subject to uncontrollable and unforeseen events that could positively or negatively impact economic and business conditions. The estimated weighted average cost of capital includes assumptions and estimates based upon interest rates, expected rates of return, and other risk factors that consider both historic data and expected future returns for comparable investments.
	The market approach estimates fair value by applying trading multiples of enterprise value to EBITDA based on observed publicly traded comparable companies.
	(o)	Deferred Satellite Performance Incentives
	The cost of satellite construction may include an element of deferred consideration that we are obligated to pay to satellite manufacturers over the lives of the satellites, provided the satellites continue to operate in accordance with contractual specifications. Historically, the satellite manufacturers have earned substantially all of these payments. Therefore, we account for these payments as deferred financing. We capitalize the present value of these payments as part of the cost of the satellites and record a corresponding liability to the satellite manufacturers. Interest expense is recognized on the deferred financing and the liability is reduced as the payments are made.
	(p)	Derivative Instruments
We hold interest rate swaps, each of which were undesignated as of December 31, 2013. The swaps are marked-to-market quarterly with any change in fair value recorded as gains or losses on derivative financial instruments in our consolidated statements of operations.
(q)	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary
On October 5, 2012, we purchased from Convergence SPV Ltd (“Convergence Partners”) the remaining ownership interest in our New Dawn joint venture for $8.7 million, increasing our ownership from 74.9% to 100% (the “New Dawn Equity Purchase”). Prior to October 5, 2012, New Dawn was a majority owned subsidiary that was a joint venture investment with Convergence Partners. Convergence Partners had the ability to require us to buy its ownership interest at fair value subsequent to the operations of New Dawn’s assets for a period of time defined in the New Dawn Project Agreement. In accordance with the guidance provided in FASB ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“FASB ASC 480”), regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities, we marked to market the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in New Dawn at each reporting period. Any changes in fair value were reflected as an adjustment to paid-in capital. As a result of the New Dawn Equity Purchase, we eliminated the redeemable noncontrolling interest of $8.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 in accordance with FASB ASC 480.
(r)	Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations, cash flows or retained earnings.
(s)	New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, entities are required to disclose the effect of reclassification of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The majority of our other comprehensive loss and our accumulated other comprehensive loss is related to our defined benefit retirement plans. Beginning in 2013, we have disclosed in Note 7—Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated comprehensive income on line items in our consolidated statement of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Beginning in the first quarter of 2014, entities are required to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except under certain scenarios. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Share_Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Capital	'
	Note 3 Share Capital
	Under our Articles of Incorporation, we have an authorized share capital of $10.0 million, represented by 1,000,000,000 shares of any class with a nominal value of $0.01 per share. At December 31, 2013, there were 106.0 million common shares issued and outstanding and 3.5 million Series A Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. Our Series A Preferred Shares have a liquidation preference of $50 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.
	Each Series A Preferred Share will automatically convert on May 1, 2016 into between 2.2676 and 2.7778 of our common shares, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The number of our common shares issuable on conversion will be determined based on the average of the closing prices per common share over the 40 trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the mandatory conversion date. At any time prior to May 1, 2016, holders may elect to convert each Series A Preferred Share into common shares at the minimum conversion rate of 2.2676 common shares per Series A Preferred Share, subject to anti-dilution adjustments.

Net_Loss_per_Share

Net Loss per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Loss per Share	'
	Note 4 Net Loss per Share
	Basic EPS is computed by dividing net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.’s common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods.
	In connection with the IPO in April 2013, we issued 22,222,222 common shares and 3,450,000 Series A Preferred shares at public offering prices of $18.00 and $50.00 per share, respectively. Prior to the consummation of the IPO, our former Class A Shares and Class B Shares were reclassified into a single class of common shares. In addition, immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, an equivalent of a share split was effected by distributing common shares pro rata to existing holders of our common shares (see Note 1–Background of Company–Initial Public Offering). The effect of these reclassifications on outstanding shares, potentially dilutive shares and EPS has been retroactively applied to all periods presented.
	In April 2013, the shareholders of Intelsat S.A. declared a $10.2 million dividend to be paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Shares in four installments through June 2014, in accordance with the terms of the Series A Preferred Shares. In 2013, we made payments of the first and second installments of the dividend totaling $1.51775 per share, reflecting dividends accrued during the period commencing on the date of Intelsat’s initial offering of preferred shares, April 23, 2013 and ending October 31, 2013. In January 2014, we announced a payment of the third installment of $0.71875 per share. The dividend was paid on February 3, 2014 to holders of record as of January 15, 2014.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
		(in thousands, except per share data or where
		otherwise noted)
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(435,265	)	$	(149,498	)	$	(251,993	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,106			(1,639	)		(3,687	)
	Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.		(434,159	)		(151,137	)		(255,680	)
	Less: Preferred Shares dividends declared		—			—			(10,196	)
	Net loss attributable to common shareholders	$	(434,159	)	$	(151,137	)	$	(265,876	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions)		83			83			98.5
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$	(5.23	)	$	(1.82	)	$	(2.70	)
	Due to net losses in each of the periods presented, there were no dilutive securities, and therefore, basic and diluted EPS were the same. The Company’s weighted average number of shares that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future was 3.0 million, 2.9 million and 4.5 million (consisting of unvested common shares, restricted share units and options to purchase common shares) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In addition, there were 9.6 million common shares resulting from the potential conversion of Series A Preferred Shares as of December 31, 2013, that could dilute EPS in future periods. There were 6.6 million weighted average common shares resulting from the potential conversion of Series A Preferred Shares for the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively, that could dilute basic EPS in future periods.

ShareBased_and_Other_Compensat

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans	'
	Note 5 Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans
	On March 30, 2012, our board of directors adopted the amended and restated Intelsat Global, Ltd. 2008 Share Incentive Plan (the “2008 Equity Plan”). The 2008 Equity Plan provides for a variety of equity-based awards with respect to former Class A Shares and Class B Shares, including non-qualified share options, incentive share options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Service Tax Code), restricted share awards, restricted share unit awards, share appreciation rights, phantom share awards and performance-based awards, and also with respect to former Class A Shares available for issuance pursuant to the vesting and / or exercise of certain options and restricted share awards granted under the Intelsat Holdings, Ltd. 2005 Share Incentive Plan. Prior to March 30, 2012, the 2008 Equity Plan provided for awards for shares of Intelsat Global S.A., then our ultimate parent, which adopted the 2008 Equity Plan in May 2009.
	In connection with the IPO, in April 2013, we amended the 2008 Equity Plan to reflect the IPO Reorganization Transactions (see Note 1–Background of Company–Initial Public Offering). Consequently, the number of restricted shares and options along with the associated exercise prices has been retroactively revised to reflect the IPO Reorganization Transactions. We also granted certain shares and options under the amended plan. Further, certain repurchase rights that were included in various share-based compensation awards contractually expired. As a result, (i) certain awards have been deemed granted under the provisions of FASB ASC 718 and (ii) certain awards previously accounted for as liability awards are now treated as equity awards under the provisions of FASB ASC 718. Further, upon consummation of the IPO, anti-dilution options were granted to certain individuals in accordance with the existing terms of their side letters to a management shareholders agreement (the “Management Shareholders Agreement”).
	The items described here and above resulted in a pre-tax charge of $21.3 million (the “IPO-Related Compensation Charges”), $2.4 million of which was included in direct costs of revenue and $18.9 million of which was included in selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Also, in connection with the IPO, in April 2013, our board of directors adopted the 2013 Equity Plan. The 2013 Equity Plan provides for a variety of equity based awards, including incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Service Tax Code), restricted shares, restricted share units, other share-based awards and performance compensation awards. Under the 2013 Equity Plan, an aggregate of 10,000,000 common shares are available for awards (as defined in the 2013 Equity Plan). Following the IPO, no new awards may be granted under the 2008 Equity Plan except those granted in connection with the IPO Reorganization Transactions and completion of the IPO. Total shares available for future issuance under the 2013 Equity Plan were 8.0 million as of December 31, 2013.
	For all share-based awards, we recognize the compensation costs over the vesting period during which the employee provides service in exchange for the award. Compensation expense in 2013 also includes the IPO-Related Compensation Charges discussed above. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we recorded compensation expense of $8.4 million, $4.8 million and $25.3 million, respectively.
	Stock Options
	Stock options expire 10 years from the date of grant and vest monthly over service periods ranging from two to five years.
	Stock Option activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Stock			Average		Average		intrinsic
			Options			Exercise		remaining		value (in
			(in			price		contractual		millions)
			thousands)					term (in
								years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			2,799		$	14.62
	Granted (a)			925			24.36
	Exercised			(380	)		6.4
	Cancelled (b)			(1,766	)		18
	Forfeited			(9	)		27
	Expired			(1	)		27
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,568		$	18.48		5.6	$	9.3
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,144		$	15.22		4.3	$	9.2
	(a)	Includes 0.4 million options granted to certain employees at a weighted average exercise price of $21.25 per option, which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.
	(b)	In connection with the IPO, the unvested portion of certain options based on performance were cancelled and forfeited and new grants of time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”) and options were awarded.
	We measure the fair value of stock options at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $7.85. The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model during the year ended December 31, 2013: risk-free interest rates of 0.6%; dividend yields of 0.0%; expected volatility of 59.4%; and expected life of 4 years.
	Due to certain repurchase provisions, stock option awards granted to certain employees were classified as liability awards prior to the IPO. The weighted average fair value of these liability awards was $21.21 and $19.31 as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Prior to the IPO, the fair value of these liability awards was measured using estimates of enterprise value based on a combination of income and market approach valuation techniques.
	Further, certain options granted to employees (other than certain executives) were deemed not granted and therefore, no compensation expense was recorded on vesting of these options. However, in the event of voluntary termination by the employee and other defined circumstances, these options could be repurchased at the lesser of fair market value and the exercise price.
	There were no exercises of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $5.6 million. As of December 31, 2013, there was $3.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.
	During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we recorded compensation expense associated with stock option awards of $3.8 million, a credit of $0.1 million and a credit of $0.4 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we received cash of $2.4 million from the exercise of stock options.
	Anti-Dilution Options
	In connection with the IPO Reorganization Transactions and upon consummation of the IPO, options were granted to certain individuals in accordance with the existing terms of their side letters to the Management Shareholders Agreement, which, when taken together with the common shares received in connection with the reclassification of our outstanding former Class B Shares, preserved their ownership interests represented by their outstanding former Class B Shares immediately prior to the reclassification.
	These options expire five years from the date of grant except for options granted to one of the individuals, whose options expire 18 months from the date of grant.
	Anti-Dilution Option activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Anti-			Average		Average		intrinsic
			Dilution			Exercise		remaining		value (in
			Options (in			price		contractual		millions)
			thousands)					term (in
								years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			—		$	—
	Granted			2,423			18
	Exercised			(20	)		18
	Forfeited			—			—
	Expired			—			—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,403		$	18		3.6	$	10.9
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			2,403		$	18		3.6	$	10.9
	We measured the fair value of anti-dilution option grants at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair value of anti-dilution options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $5.97. The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model during the year ended December 31, 2013: risk-free interest rates of 0.3%; dividend yields of 0.0%; expected volatility of 60.8%; and expected life of 2 years. No grants of anti-dilution options were made during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012.
	The total intrinsic value of anti-dilution options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013 was $0.1 million. All anti-dilution options were fully vested as of December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31 2013, we recorded compensation expense associated with anti-dilution option awards of $14.5 million and received cash of $0.4 million from the exercise of anti-dilution options.
	Time-based RSUs
	Time-based RSUs vest over periods ranging from six months to three years from the date of grant.
	Time-based RSUs activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Time-based			Average		Average		intrinsic
			RSUs			grant date		remaining		value
			(in thousands)			fair value		contractual		(in millions)
								term
								(in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			—		$	—
	Granted (a)			964			20.13
	Vested			(123	)		20
	Forfeited			(24	)		20.1
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			817		$	20.15		1.8	$	18.4
(a)	Includes time-based RSUs granted in consideration of the cancellation and forfeiture of certain unvested performance options under the 2008 Equity Plan, as discussed above.
The fair value of time-based RSUs is deemed to be the market price of common shares on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value of time-based RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $20.13. There were no such grants during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012. The total intrinsic value of time-based RSUs vested during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $2.5 million. As of December 31, 2013, there was $13.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested time-based RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded compensation expense associated with these time-based RSUs of $5.7 million.
Performance-based RSUs
Performance-based RSUs vest after three years from the date of grant upon achievement of certain performance conditions. Two-thirds of these grants are subject to vesting upon achievement of an adjusted EBITDA target. The remaining one-third of these grants is subject to vesting upon achievement of a relative shareholder return (“RSR”), which is based on the Company’s relative shareholder return percentile ranking versus the S&P 900 Index target.
Performance-based RSUs activity during 2013 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
		Performance-			Average		Average		intrinsic
		based RSUs			grant date		remaining		value
		(in thousands)			fair value		contractual		(in millions)
							term
							(in years)
Outstanding at January 1, 2013			—		$	—
Granted			566			21.96
Vested			—			—
Forfeited			(16	)		21.96
Outstanding at December 31, 2013			550		$	21.96		2.2	$	12.4
We measure the fair value of performance-based RSUs at the date of grant using the market price of our common shares (to measure the award based on an adjusted EBITDA target) and a Monte Carlo simulation model (to measure the award based on an RSR target).
The weighted average grant date fair value of performance-based RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $21.96. There were no performance-based RSU grants during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012. As of December 31, 2013, there was $3.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance-based RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.
Achievement of the adjusted EBITDA target is not currently considered probable, therefore, no compensation cost associated with these awards (based on the adjusted EBITDA condition) has been recognized during the year ended December 31, 2013. We recorded compensation expense associated with the performance-based RSUs (based on the RSR condition) of $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Restricted Shares
Restricted shares vest over periods from six months to five years from the date of grant.
Restricted Shares activity during 2013 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
		Restricted			Average		Average		intrinsic
		Shares (in			grant		remaining		value (in
		thousands)			date fair		contractual		millions)
					value		term (in
							years)
Non-vested at January 1, 2013			8		$	151.32
Granted (a)			177			18
Vested			(184	)		23.94
Forfeited			(1	)		18
Non-vested at December 31, 2013			—		$	—		—	$	—
(a)	Includes 0.1 million shares granted to certain employees which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.
Prior to the IPO, due to certain repurchase provisions, certain restricted shares granted to employees (other than certain executives) were deemed not granted and accordingly, no compensation cost was recorded for vesting of these awards. However, in the event of voluntary termination by the employee and other defined circumstances, these awards could be repurchased by the Company. In connection with the IPO, the repurchase provisions that were included in the restricted share grant agreements held by other awardees contractually expired, and these awards are now classified as equity awards and were recorded at the IPO common share offering price of $18.00 per share.
Prior to the IPO, the fair value of restricted shares granted to certain executives was based on an estimate of fair value using a combination of income and market approaches. Following the IPO, the fair value of restricted shares is the market price of our common shares on the date of grant.
There were no grants of restricted shares during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012. The total intrinsic value of restricted shares vested during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $4.2 million.
During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we recorded compensation expense associated with restricted shares of $4.6 million, $4.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 6 Fair Value Measurements
	We have identified investments in marketable securities and interest rate financial derivative instruments as those items that meet the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of FASB ASC 820.
	The following tables present assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands), excluding long-term debt (see Note 12—Long-Term Debt). We did not have transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the year ended December 31, 2013.
					Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Description		As of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other
			December 31,		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs
			2012		Identical Assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Marketable securities(1)		$	5,613	$	5,613	$	—
	Total assets		$	5,613	$	5,613	$	—
	Liabilities
	Undesignated interest rate swaps(2)		$	74,564	$	—	$	74,564
	Total liabilities		$	74,564	$	—	$	74,564
					Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
	Description		As of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other
			December 31,		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs
			2013		Identical Assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Marketable securities(1)		$	6,036	$	6,036	$	—
	Total assets		$	6,036	$	6,036	$	—
	Liabilities
	Undesignated interest rate swaps(2)		$	48,819	$	—	$	48,819
	Total liabilities		$	48,819	$	—	$	48,819
	-1	The valuation measurement inputs of these marketable securities represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and, accordingly, we have classified such investments within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The cost basis of our available-for-sale marketable securities was $5.5 million at December 31, 2012 and $5.3 million at December 31, 2013. We sold marketable securities with a cost basis of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 and recorded a gain on the sale of $0.5 million, which was included within other expense, net in our consolidated statement of operations.
	-2	The fair value of our interest rate financial derivative instruments reflects the estimated amounts that we would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates, the market expectation for future interest rates and current creditworthiness of both the counterparties and ourselves. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments, if any, associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as the estimates of the current credit spread, to evaluate the likelihood of default by us or our counterparties. We also considered the existence of offset provisions and other credit enhancements that serve to reduce the credit exposure associated with the asset or liability being valued. We have assessed the significance of the inputs of the credit valuation adjustments to the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits	'
	Note 7 Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits
	(a) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
	We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan covering substantially all of our employees hired prior to July 19, 2001. The cost of providing benefits to eligible participants under the defined benefit retirement plan is calculated using the plan’s benefit formulas, which take into account the participants’ remuneration, dates of hire, years of eligible service, and certain actuarial assumptions. In addition, we provide postretirement medical benefits to certain current retirees who meet the criteria under our medical plan for postretirement benefit eligibility.
	The defined benefit retirement plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. We expect that our future contributions to the defined benefit retirement plan will be based on the minimum funding requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and on the plan’s funded status. Any significant decline in the fair value of our defined benefit retirement plan assets or other adverse changes to the significant assumptions used to determine the plan’s funded status would negatively impact its funded status and could result in increased funding in future periods. The impact on the funded status as of October 1, the plan’s annual measurement date, is determined based upon market conditions in effect when we complete our annual valuation. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we made cash contributions to the defined benefit retirement plan of $32.0 million. We anticipate that our contributions to the defined benefit retirement plan in 2014 will be approximately $27.6 million. We fund the postretirement medical benefits throughout the year based on benefits paid. We anticipate that our contributions to fund postretirement medical benefits in 2014 will be approximately $4.4 million.
	Prior service credits and actuarial losses are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs, which are included in both direct costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative on our consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents these reclassifications, net of tax, as well as the reclassification of the realized gain on investments, and the statement of operations line items that are impacted (in thousands):
			Year Ended
			December 31, 2013
	Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in:
	Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)		$	(63	)
	Selling, general and administrative			(44	)
	Total			(107	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in:
	Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)			7,302
	Selling, general and administrative			5,018
	Total			12,320
	Realized loss on investments included in:
	Other expense, net			123
	Total		$	123
	Reconciliation of Funded Status and Accumulated Benefit Obligation. Expenses for our defined benefit retirement plan and for postretirement medical benefits that are provided under our medical plan are developed from actuarial valuations. The following summarizes the projected benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the defined benefit retirement plan, as well as the projected benefit obligations of the postretirement medical benefits provided under our medical plan (in thousands, except percentages):
			Year Ended						Year Ended
			December 31, 2012						December 31, 2013
						Other						Other
												Post-
						Post-
			Pension			retirement			Pension			retirement
			Benefits			Benefits			Benefits			Benefits
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period		$	436,102		$	110,737		$	473,975		$	107,704
	Service cost			3,211			354			3,318			293
	Interest cost			19,061			4,959			18,244			4,295
	Employee contributions			—			365			—			443
	Benefits paid			(21,668	)		(3,873	)		(21,294	)		(3,853	)
	Plan amendments			—			—			—			797
	Actuarial (gain) loss			37,269			(4,838	)		(46,334	)		(14,364	)
	Benefit obligation at end of period		$	473,975		$	107,704		$	427,909		$	95,315
	Change in plan assets
	Plan assets at beginning of period		$	236,793		$	—		$	278,384		$	—
	Employer contributions			30,110			3,508			31,989			3,410
	Employee contributions			—			365			—			443
	Actual return on plan assets			33,149			—			33,097			—
	Benefits paid			(21,668	)		(3,873	)		(21,294	)		(3,853	)
	Plan assets at fair value at end of period		$	278,384		$	—		$	322,176		$	—
	Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans		$	(195,591	)	$	(107,704	)	$	(105,733	)	$	(95,315	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	462,995					$	418,710
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs
	Discount rate			3.98	%		4.04	%		4.83	%		4.9	%
	Salary rate			3.25	%		—			3.25	%		—
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs
	Discount rate			4.51	%		4.57	%		3.98	%		4.04	%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets			8	%		—			7.8	%		—
	Rate of compensation increase			3.25	%		—			3.25	%		—
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost
	Actuarial loss, net of tax		$	4,729		$	449		$	12,094		$	226
	Prior service credits, net of tax		$	(110	)	$	—		$	(107	)	$	—
	Total		$	4,619		$	449		$	11,987		$	226
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost
	Actuarial loss, net of tax		$	110,389		$	10,160		$	62,234		$	923
	Prior service credits, net of tax			(607	)		—			(500	)		—
	Total		$	109,782		$	10,160		$	61,734		$	923
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year
	Actuarial loss		$	(19,423	)	$	(362	)	$	(10,319	)	$	—
	Prior service credits			172			—			172			—
	Total		$	(19,251	)	$	(362	)	$	(10,147	)	$	—
Our benefit obligations are matched to a yield curve that is derived from the monthly bid-price data of bonds that are rated high grade by either Moody’s Investor Service or Standard and Poor’s Rating Services. The bond types included are noncallable bonds, private placement bonds that are traded among qualified institutional buyers and are at least two years from date of issuance, bonds with a make-whole provision, and bonds issued by foreign corporations that are denominated in U.S. dollars. Excluded are bonds that are callable, sinkable and putable as well as those for which the quoted yield-to-maturity is zero. Using the bonds from this universe that have a yield higher than the regression mean yield curve, regression analysis is used to determine the best-fitting curve, which gives a good fit to the data at both long and short maturities. The resulting regressed coupon yield curve is smoothly continuous along its entire length and represents an unbiased average of the observed market data.
Interest rates used in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates used in determining the present value of future benefit payments and expected return on plan assets, which are reviewed and updated on an annual basis. The discount rates reflect market rates for high-quality corporate bonds. We consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making assumptions. In establishing the expected return on assets assumption, we review the asset allocations considering plan maturity and develop return assumptions based on different asset classes. The return assumptions are established after reviewing historical returns of broader market indexes, as well as historical performance of the investments in the plan. Our pension plan assets are managed in accordance with an investment policy adopted by the pension committee, as discussed below.
Plan Assets. The investment policy of the Plan includes target allocation percentages of approximately 47% for investments in equity securities (31% U.S. equities and 16% non-U.S. equities), 38% for investments in fixed income securities and 15% for investments in other securities, which is broken down further into 10% for investments in hedge fund of funds and 5% for investments in real estate fund of funds. Plan assets include investments in both U.S. and non-U.S. equity funds. Fixed income investments include a U.S. government securities fund, a short duration bond fund, a high yield bond fund and an emerging markets debt fund. The funds in which the plan’s assets are invested are institutionally managed and have diversified exposures into multiple asset classes implemented with over 90 investment managers. The guidelines and objectives of the funds are congruent with the Intelsat investment policy statement.
The target and actual asset allocation of our pension plan assets were as follows:
		As of December 31, 2012						As of December 31, 2013
		Target			Actual			Target			Actual
		Allocation			Allocation			Allocation			Allocation
Asset Category
Equity securities			38	%		39	%		47	%		50	%
Debt securities			47	%		46	%		38	%		36	%
Other securities			15	%		15	%		15	%		14	%
Total			100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
The fair values of our pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands):
		Fair Value			Fair Value
		Measurements at			Measurements at
		December 31, 2012			December 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in			Quoted Prices in
		Active Markets for			Active Markets for
		Identical Assets			Identical Assets
		(Level 1)			(Level 1)
Asset Category
Equity Securities
U.S. Large-Cap (1)		$	53,874		$	83,116
U.S. Small/Mid-Cap (2)			15,676			24,857
World Equity Ex-US (3)			38,098			53,367
Fixed Income Securities
Long Duration Bonds (4)			82,416			—
Short Duration Bonds (5)			—			61,388
High Yield Bonds (6)			10,889			14,282
Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) (7)			8,024			9,633
Core Fixed Income (8)			27,492			29,844
Other Securities
Hedge Funds (9)			28,006			29,766
Core Property Fund (10)			13,909			15,747
Income earned but not yet received			—			176
Total		$	278,384		$	322,176
-1	US large cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the S&P 500 Index, as well as other equity securities and derivative instruments whose value is derived from the performance of the S&P 500.
-2	US small/mid cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the Russell 2500 Index.
-3	World equity ex-US fund invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities whose issuers comprise a broad range of capitalizations and are located outside of the U.S. The fund invests primarily in developed countries but may also invest in emerging markets.
-4	Long duration bond fund seeks to duplicate the return characteristics of high quality corporate bonds with a duration range of 10-13 years. The fund’s investment strategy is designed to aid corporate pension plans with asset and liability management in order to reduce funding status volatility caused by changes in interest rates.
-5	Short duration bond fund includes the Ultra Short Duration Bond fund and Opportunistic Income fund. The Ultra Short Duration Bond invests at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade U.S. dollar denominated debt instruments. While the funds may invest in securities with any maturity or duration, the funds will maintain a portfolio duration range of 18 months or less under normal market conditions. The Opportunistic Income fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade and non-investment grade fixed-income securities. There are no restrictions on the maturity of any individual securities or on the fund’s average portfolio maturity, although the average portfolio duration will typically vary between 0-24 months.
-6	High yield bond fund seeks to maximize return by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of higher yielding, lower rated fixed income securities. The fund will invest primarily in securities rated below investment grade, including corporate bonds, convertible and preferred securities and zero coupon obligations.
-7	Emerging markets debt fund seeks to maximize return investing in fixed income securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund will invest primarily in U.S. dollar denominated debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of such issuers.
-8	Core fixed income fund invests in fixed-income funds which seek to provide current income consistent with the preservation of capital.
-9	Hedge funds seek to provide returns that are different from (less correlated with) investments in more traditional asset classes. The funds will pursue their investment objectives by investing substantially all of their assets in various hedge funds.
-10	Core property fund is a fund of funds that invests in direct commercial property funds primarily in the U.S. The fund is meant to provide current income-oriented returns, diversification, and modest inflation protection to an overall investment portfolio. Total returns are expected to be somewhere between stocks and bonds, with moderate volatility and low correlation to public markets.
Net periodic pension benefit costs included the following components (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
Service cost		$	3,102		$	3,211		$	3,318
Interest cost			20,058			19,061			18,244
Expected return on plan assets			(19,729	)		(20,562	)		(21,263	)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits			(172	)		(172	)		(172	)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss			6,862			13,990			19,423
Total benefit		$	10,121		$	15,528		$	19,550
We had accrued benefit costs at December 31, 2012 and 2013 of $195.6 million and $105.7 million, respectively, related to the pension benefits, of which $0.6 million was recorded within other current liabilities for both respective periods and $195.0 million and $105.1 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities, respectively. Additionally, we had accrued benefit costs at December 31, 2012 and 2013 related to the other postretirement benefits of $107.7 million and $95.3 million, respectively, of which $4.3 million and $4.4 million was recorded in other current liabilities, respectively, and $103.4 million and $90.9 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities, respectively.
Net periodic other postretirement benefit costs included the following components (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
Service cost		$	452		$	354		$	293
Interest cost			5,069			4,959			4,295
Plan amendment			—			—			797
Amortization of unrecognized net loss			—			687			362
Total costs		$	5,521		$	6,000		$	5,747
Depending upon our actual future health care claims, our actual costs may vary significantly from those projected above. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, the assumed health care cost trend rate was 8.1% and 7.7%, respectively. This rate is assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% by the year 2030 and to remain at that level of annual increase thereafter. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by 1% each year would increase the other postretirement benefits obligation as of December 31, 2013 by $9.6 million. Decreasing this trend rate by 1% each year would reduce the other postretirement benefits obligation as of December 31, 2013 by $8.2 million. A 1% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have increased the net periodic other postretirement benefits cost by $0.5 million and a 1% decrease would have decreased the cost by $0.4 million for 2013.
The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
		Pension			Other Post-retirement
		Benefits			Benefits
2014		$	31,626		$	4,421
2015			27,053			4,813
2016			28,372			5,195
2017			28,768			5,567
2018			28,366			5,918
2019 to 2023			149,655			33,495
Total		$	293,840		$	59,409
(b) Other Retirement Plans
We maintain two defined contribution retirement plans, qualified under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for our employees in the United States. We recognized compensation expense for these plans of $8.0 million, $7.9 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. We also maintain other defined contribution retirement plans in several non-U.S. jurisdictions, but such plans are not material to our financial position or results of operations.

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables	'
	Note 8 Receivables
	Receivables were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2012			2013
	Service charges:
	Billed	$	276,637		$	247,655
	Unbilled		9,840			8,260
	Other		19,320			15,720
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(23,583	)		(35,288	)
	Total	$	282,214		$	236,347
	Unbilled service charges represent amounts earned and accrued as receivables from customers for services rendered prior to the end of the reporting period. Unbilled service charges are expected to be billed and collected within twelve months of the respective balance sheet date. Other receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 included a $12.2 million receivable from JSAT International, Inc. (“JSAT”), with which we have a joint venture (see Note 10(a) —Investments—Horizons Holdings) in each of the years ended 2012 and 2013.

Satellites_and_Other_Property_

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	'
	Note 9 Satellites and Other Property and Equipment
	(a) Satellites and Other Property and Equipment, net
	Satellites and other property and equipment, net were comprised of the following (in thousands):
			As of			As of
			December 31,			December 31,
			2012			2013
	Satellites and launch vehicles		$	8,700,926		$	8,628,596
	Information systems and ground segment			524,285			559,250
	Buildings and other			195,672			203,839
	Total cost			9,420,883			9,391,685
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(3,065,691	)		(3,586,145	)
	Total		$	6,355,192		$	5,805,540
	Satellites and other property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 included construction-in-progress of $0.7 billion and $0.8 billion, respectively. These amounts relate primarily to satellites under construction and related launch services. Interest costs of $117.4 million and $44.8 million were capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, we recorded depreciation expense of $664.0 million, $673.1 million and $654.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	We have entered into launch contracts for the launch of both specified and unspecified future satellites. Each of these launch contracts provides that such contract may be terminated at our option, subject to payment of a termination fee that increases as the applicable launch date approaches. In addition, in the event of a failure of any launch, we may exercise our right to obtain a replacement launch within a specified period following our request for re-launch.
	(b) Satellite Launches
	On February 1, 2013, the launch vehicle for our IS-27 satellite failed shortly after liftoff and the satellite was completely destroyed. A Failure Review Board was established and subsequently concluded that the launch failed due to the mechanical failure of one of the first stage engine’s thrust control components. The satellite and launch vehicle were fully insured, and we received $406.2 million of insurance proceeds during the year ended December 31, 2013. Accounting for insured losses of fixed assets is governed by FASB ASC Topic 605-40, Revenue Recognition—Gains and Losses (“FASB ASC 605-40”). In accordance with FASB ASC 605-40, we recognized the surplus of insurance proceeds received over the $396.6 million book value of the IS-27 satellite and its related assets and recorded a $9.6 million gain, which is reflected as a gain on satellite insurance recoveries on our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. These proceeds were used to redeem $366.4 million aggregate principal amount of Intelsat Luxembourg’s outstanding 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Senior Notes”). See Note 12—Long-Term Debt for further discussion.
	(c) IS-19 Partial Loss Claim
	On June 1, 2012, our IS-19 satellite experienced damage to its south solar array during launch operations. Although both solar arrays are deployed, the power available to the satellite is less than required to operate at 100% of the payload capacity. While the satellite is operational, the anomaly resulted in structural and electrical damage to one solar array wing, which reduced the amount of power available for payload operation. We filed a partial loss claim with our insurers related to the IS-19 solar array anomaly. As of December 31, 2013, all $84.8 million of the insurance proceeds from the partial loss claim had been received.
	(d) Sale of U.S. Administrative Headquarters Building
	On October 5, 2012, we completed the sale of our U.S. administrative headquarters office building in Washington, D.C. (the “U.S. Administrative Headquarters Property”), and assigned our Amended and Restated Lease Agreement with the U.S. Government relating to the U.S. Administrative Headquarters Property to the purchaser for a price of $85.0 million in cash. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $12.8 million included within other income, net in our consolidated statement of operations. Upon the closing of the sale, we entered into an agreement under which we are temporarily leasing from the purchaser a portion of the U.S. Administrative Headquarters Property. On November 30, 2012, we entered into an agreement to lease approximately 188,000 square feet of space in McLean, Virginia for our new permanent U.S. administrative headquarters and primary satellite operations center in a building that is in the process of being constructed (the “New U.S. Administrative Headquarters”). The lease is for a term of 15 years. We expect to occupy the space in the New U.S. Administrative Headquarters beginning in mid-2014. In December 2013, we signed an Amendment to the lease increasing the total square footage to 211,687 square feet being leased and that will allow the relocation of our Intelsat General Corporation office to the same facility in 2014.
	(e) Satellite Health
	Our satellite fleet is diversified by manufacturer and satellite type, and as a result, our fleet is generally healthy. We have experienced some technical problems with our current fleet but have been able to minimize the impact of these problems on our customers, our operations and our business in recent years. Many of these problems have been component failures and anomalies that have had little long-term impact to date on the overall transponder availability in our satellite fleet. All of our satellites have been designed to accommodate an anticipated rate of equipment failures with adequate redundancy to meet or exceed their orbital design lives, and to date, this redundancy design scheme has proven effective. After each anomaly we have generally restored services for our customers on the affected satellite, provided alternative capacity on other satellites in our fleet, or provided capacity that we purchased from other satellite operators.
	Significant Anomalies
	On November 28, 2004, our Galaxy 27 satellite experienced a sudden anomaly in its north electrical distribution system which resulted in the loss of control of the satellite and the interruption of customer services on the satellite. Galaxy 27 is a FS 1300 series satellite manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”). Our engineers were able to regain command and control of Galaxy 27, and it was placed back in service, with reduced payload capacity, following operational testing. We have determined that the north electrical distribution system on Galaxy 27 and the communications capacity associated with it are not operational, and the satellite has lost redundancy in nearly all of its components. As a result, Galaxy 27 faces an increased risk of loss in the future. As of December 31, 2013, a substantial subset of Galaxy 27’s transponders, which are all powered by the south electrical distribution system, have been tested, are performing normally and are available for service to our customers. As of December 31, 2013, Galaxy 27 is kept in inclined orbit.
	On January 14, 2005, our IS-804 satellite experienced a sudden and unexpected electrical power system anomaly that resulted in the total loss of the satellite. IS-804 was a Lockheed Martin 7000 series (the “LM 7000 series”) satellite, and as of December 31, 2013 we operated one other satellite in the LM 7000 series, IS-805, which remains in a primary orbital role. Based on the report of the failure review board that we established with Lockheed Martin Corporation, we believe that the IS-804 failure was not likely to have been caused by an IS-804 specific workmanship or hardware element, but was most likely caused by a high current event in the battery circuitry triggered by an electrostatic discharge that propagated to cause the sudden failure of the high voltage power system. We therefore believe that although this risk exists for our other LM 7000 series satellite, the risk of any individual satellite having a similar anomaly is low.
	On September 21, 2006, our IS-802 satellite, which was also an LM 7000 series satellite, experienced a reduction of electrical power capability that resulted in a degraded capability of the satellite. A substantial subset of transponders on IS-802 were subsequently reactivated and operated normally until the end of its service life in September 2010, when it was decommissioned. The anomaly review board that we established with Lockheed Martin Corporation to investigate the cause of the anomaly concluded that the IS-802 anomaly was most likely caused by an electrical short internal to the solar array harness located on the south solar array boom. The anomaly review board found that this anomaly was significantly different from previous LM 7000 series spacecraft failures and was the first failure of this type on a solar array of the LM 7000 series. We therefore believe that although this risk exists for our other LM 7000 series satellites, the risk of any individual satellite having a similar anomaly is low.
	On June 29, 2008, our Galaxy 26 satellite experienced a sudden and unexpected electrical distribution anomaly causing the loss of a substantial portion of the satellite power generating capability and resulting in the interruption of some of the customer services on the satellite. Galaxy 26 is also a FS 1300 series satellite. Certain transponders continue to operate normally. However, the anomaly resulted in a reduction to the estimated remaining useful life of the satellite.
	With respect to both the Galaxy 27 and Galaxy 26 anomalies, the failure review boards that we established with SS/L identified the likely root cause of the anomalies as a design flaw which is affected by a number of parameters and in some extreme cases can result in an electrical system anomaly. The design flaw also exists on IS-8. This satellite has been in service since November 1998 and has not experienced an electrical system anomaly. Along with the manufacturer, we continually monitor this problem. Traffic on IS-8 was transferred to IS-19 in 2012, and IS-8 has been relocated to 169°E, where it provides normal service.
	On April 5, 2010, our Galaxy 15 satellite experienced an anomaly resulting in our inability to command the satellite. We transitioned all media traffic on this satellite to our Galaxy 12 satellite, which was our designated in-orbit spare satellite for the North America region. Galaxy 15 is a Star-2 satellite manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation. On December 23, 2010, we recovered command of the spacecraft and we began diagnostic testing and uploading of software updates that protect against future anomalies of this type. In February 2011, Galaxy 15 initiated a drift to 133.1°W and returned to service, initially as an in-orbit spare. In October 2011, media traffic was transferred from Galaxy 12 back to Galaxy 15, and Galaxy 15 resumed normal service.
	Subsequent to the launch of the IS-28 satellite on April 22, 2011, the satellite experienced an anomaly during the deployment of its west antenna reflector, which controls communications in the C-band frequency. A failure review board was established to determine the cause of the anomaly. The failure review board completed its investigation in July 2011 and concluded that the deployment anomaly of the C-band reflector was most likely due to a malfunction of the reflector sunshield. As a result, the sunshield interfered with the ejection release mechanism and prevented the deployment of the C-band antenna. Despite the C-band antenna reflector anomaly, the Ku-band antenna reflector deployed and that portion of the satellite is operating as planned. In June 2011, the satellite entered into service.
	The IS-28 satellite and its operations were financed primarily with non-recourse debt through a joint venture in which we were the majority shareholder (see Note 10(b)—Investments—New Dawn). The New Dawn joint venture filed a partial loss claim with its insurers, relating to the C-band antenna reflector anomaly. The claim was finalized and agreed to during 2011, resulting in total insurance recoveries of $118.0 million received. New Dawn’s debt agreements provided that all or most of the proceeds of the insurance claim were to be used to pay down New Dawn’s debt and a portion of the associated interest rate swap. In July 2012, the proceeds of the insurance claim were used to prepay a portion of New Dawn’s debt, along with the associated interest and fees, and to settle the notional amount of a portion of the associated interest rate swaps.
	During launch operations of IS-19 on June 1, 2012, the satellite experienced damage to its south solar array. Although both solar arrays are deployed, the power available to the satellite is less than is required to operate 100% of the payload capacity. The Independent Oversight Board (“IOB”) formed by SS/L and Sea Launch to investigate the solar array deployment anomaly. The IOB concluded that the anomaly occurred before the spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle, during the ascent phase of the launch, and originated in one of the satellite’s two solar array wings due to a rare combination of factors in the panel fabrication and unrelated to the launch vehicle. While the satellite is operational, the anomaly resulted in structural and electrical damage to one solar array wing, which reduced the amount of power available for payload operation. Additionally, we filed a partial loss claim with our insurers relating to the solar array anomaly. We received $84.8 million of insurance proceeds related to the claim in 2013. As planned, IS-19 followed IS-8 at 166°E, in August 2012.
	In accordance with our policy and the guidance provided for under FASB ASC 360, we review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The recoverability of an asset or asset group held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. When a satellite experiences an anomaly or other health related issues, we believe the lowest level of identifiable cash flows exists at the individual satellite level. Accordingly, in 2011 and 2012, we performed impairment reviews of our IS-28 and IS-19 satellites and determined that there was no impairment of the carrying amount of the assets due to the expected cash flows to be generated by the operational payloads over the satellites’ expected useful lives.
	Other Anomalies
	We have also identified three other types of common anomalies among the satellite models in our fleet, which have had an operational impact in the past and could, if they materialize, have an impact in the future. These are:
		•		failure of the on-board satellite control processor (“SCP”) in Boeing 601 (“BSS 601”) satellites;
		•		failure of the on-board XIPS used to maintain the in-orbit position of Boeing 601 High Power Series (“BSS 601 HP”) satellites; and
		•		accelerated solar array degradation in early Boeing 702 (“BSS 702”) satellites.
	SCP Failures. Many of our satellites use an on-board SCP to provide automatic on-board control of many operational functions. SCPs are a critical component in the operation of such satellites. Each such satellite has a backup SCP, which is available in the event of a failure of the primary SCP. Certain BSS 601 satellites have experienced SCP failures. The risk of SCP failure appears to decline as these satellites age.
	As of December 31, 2013, we operated one BSS 601 satellite, IS-26. This satellite was identified as having heightened susceptibility to the SCP problem. IS-26 has been in continuous operation since 1997. Both primary and backup SCPs on this satellite are monitored regularly and remain fully functional. Accordingly, we believe it is unlikely that additional SCP failures will occur; however, should they occur, we do not anticipate an interruption in business or early replacement of this satellite as a result.
	BSS 601 HP XIPS. The BSS 601 HP satellite uses XIPS as its primary propulsion system. There are two separate XIPS systems on each BSS 601 HP, each one of which is capable of maintaining the satellite in its orbital position. The satellite also has a completely chemical propulsion system as a backup to the XIPS system. As a result, the failure of a XIPS on a BSS 601 HP typically would have no effect on the satellite’s performance or its operating life. However, the failure of both XIPS would require the use of the backup chemical propulsion system, which could result in a shorter operating life for the satellite depending on the amount of chemical propellant remaining. XIPS failures do not typically result in a catastrophic failure of the satellite or affect the communications capability of the satellite.
	As of December 31, 2013, we operated four BSS 601 HP satellites, IS-5, IS-9, IS-10 and Galaxy 13/Horizons-1. Galaxy 13/Horizons-1 lost redundancy of the North XIPS system while full redundancy still exists on the South thruster pair. IS-5, IS-9 and IS-10 have experienced the failure of both XIPS systems and are operating on their backup chemical propulsion systems. IS-5 was redeployed in 2012 following its replacement by IS-8, which was subsequently replaced by IS-19. Also in 2012, IS-9 and IS-10 were redeployed following their replacement by IS-21 and IS-20, respectively. No assurance can be given that we will not have further XIPS failures that result in shortened satellite lives. We have decommissioned three satellites that had experienced failure of both XIPS. IS-6B was replaced by IS-11 during the first quarter of 2008, Galaxy 10R was replaced by Galaxy 18 during the second quarter of 2008, and Galaxy 4R was decommissioned in March 2009.
	BSS 702 Solar Arrays. All of our satellites have solar arrays that power their operating systems and transponders and recharge the batteries used when solar power is not available. Solar array performance typically degrades over time in a predictable manner. Additional power margins and other operational flexibility are designed into satellites to allow for such degradation without loss of performance or operating life. Certain BSS 702 satellites have experienced greater than anticipated degradation of their solar arrays resulting from the design of the solar arrays. Such degradation, if continued, results in a shortened operating life of a satellite or the need to reduce the use of the communications payload.
	As of December 31, 2013, we operated three BSS 702 satellites, two of which are affected by accelerated solar array degradation, Galaxy 11 and IS-1R. Service to customers has not been affected, and we expect that both of these satellites will continue to serve customers until we replace or supplement them with new satellites. Along with the manufacturer, we continually monitor the problem to determine its cause and its expected effect. Due to this continued degradation, Galaxy 11’s estimated end of service life is in the second quarter of 2019 and IS-1R’s estimated end of service life is in the third quarter of 2017. Galaxy 11 is currently operating in a primary orbital role and IS-1R was redeployed following its replacement by IS-14. The third BSS 702 satellite that we operated as of December 31, 2013, Galaxy 3C, was launched after the solar array anomaly was identified, and it has a substantially different solar array design intended to eliminate the problem. This satellite has been in service since September 2002 and has not experienced similar degradation problems.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments	'
	Note 10 Investments
	We have ownership interests in two entities which met the criteria of a VIE, Horizons Satellite Holdings, LLC (“Horizons Holdings”) and WP Com, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“WP Com”). We had a greater than 50% controlling ownership and voting interest in New Dawn and therefore consolidated the New Dawn joint venture. In October 2012, we purchased the remaining ownership interest in New Dawn. Horizons Holdings, as well as WP Com, are discussed in further detail below, including our analyses of the primary beneficiary determination as required under FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (“FASB ASC 810”).
	(a) Horizons Holdings
	We have a joint venture with JSAT. The joint venture is named Horizons Satellite Holdings, LLC, and consists of two investments: Horizons-1 Satellite LLC (“Horizons-1”) and Horizons-2 Satellite LLC (“Horizons-2”). Horizons Holdings borrowed from JSAT a portion of the funds necessary to finance the construction of the Horizons-2 satellite pursuant to a loan agreement (the “Horizons 2 Loan Agreement”). We provide certain services to the joint venture and utilize capacity from the joint venture.
	We have determined that this joint venture meets the criteria of a VIE under FASB ASC 810, and we have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary because decisions relating to any future relocation of the Horizons-2 satellite, the most significant asset of the joint venture, are effectively controlled by us. In accordance with FASB ASC 810, as the primary beneficiary, we consolidate Horizons Holdings within our consolidated financial statements. Total assets and liabilities of Horizons Holdings were $136.2 million and $49.2 million as of December 31, 2012, respectively, and $101.7 million and $24.6 million as of December 31, 2013, respectively.
	We also have a revenue sharing agreement with JSAT related to services sold on the Horizons satellites. We are responsible for billing and collection for such services and we remit 50% of the revenue, less applicable fees and commissions, to JSAT. Under the Horizons Holdings joint venture agreement, which was amended on September 30, 2011, we agreed to guarantee to JSAT certain minimum levels of annual gross revenues for a three-year period beginning in early 2012. This guarantee could require us to pay JSAT a maximum potential amount ranging from $7.8 million to $10.3 million per year over the three-year period, less applicable fees and commissions. We assess this guarantee on a quarterly basis, and in the year ended December 31, 2013 we recorded an expense of $9.0 million related to the guarantee, in addition to $5.6 million previously accrued in 2012. The expense was included in direct costs of revenue in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. In connection with the guarantee, $4.8 million was paid during 2013 and $9.1 million is the remaining amount we expect to pay over the period of the guarantee. Of the total expected remaining liability of $9.1 million, $5.6 million was included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $3.5 million was included within other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013. Amounts payable to JSAT related to the revenue sharing agreement, net of applicable fees and commissions, from the Horizons-1 and Horizons-2 satellites were $3.6 million and $7.1 million as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	In connection with the Horizons Holdings investment in Horizons-2, we entered into a capital contribution and subscription agreement with JSAT in August 2005, which requires both us and JSAT to fund 50% of the amount due from Horizons Holdings under the Horizons 2 Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2013, we had a receivable of $12.2 million from JSAT representing the total remaining future payments to be received from JSAT to fund their portion of the amount due under the Horizons 2 Loan Agreement. This amount is included in receivables, net on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
	(b) New Dawn
	In June 2008, we entered into a project and shareholders’ agreement (the “New Dawn Project Agreement”) with Convergence SPV, Ltd. (“Convergence Partners”) pursuant to which New Dawn, a Mauritius company in which we had a 74.9% indirect ownership interest and Convergence Partners had a 25.1% noncontrolling ownership interest, launched a satellite in April 2011 to provide satellite transponder services to customers in Africa. On October 5, 2012, we purchased from Convergence Partners the remaining ownership interest in New Dawn for $8.7 million, increasing our ownership from 74.9% to 100% (the “New Dawn Equity Purchase”). Prior to the New Dawn Equity Purchase we consolidated New Dawn within our financial statements, net of eliminating entries, but we also accounted for the percentage interest in New Dawn owned by Convergence Partners as a noncontrolling interest according to the guidance provided under FASB ASC 480 specifically related to the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. As a result of the New Dawn Equity Purchase in 2012, we eliminated the redeemable noncontrolling interest of $8.7 million in accordance with FASB ASC 480.
	(c) WP Com
	We have a joint venture with Corporativo W. Com S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Corporativo”) named WP Com, S. de R.L. de C.V. We own 49% of the voting equity shares and 88% of the economic interest in WP Com and Corporativo owns the remaining 51% of the voting equity shares. PanAmSat de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“PAS de Mexico”) is a subsidiary of WP Com, 99.9% of which is owned by WP Com, with the remainder of the equity interest split between us and Corporativo. We formed WP Com to enable us to operate in Mexico, and PAS de Mexico acts as a reseller of our satellite services to customers in Mexico and Ecuador. Profits and losses of WP Com are allocated to the joint venture partners based upon the voting equity shares.
	We have determined that this joint venture meets the criteria of a VIE under FASB ASC 810. In accordance with FASB ASC 810, we evaluated this joint venture to determine the primary beneficiary. We have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary because we influence the underlying business drivers of PAS de Mexico, including by acting as the sole provider for satellite services that PAS de Mexico resells. Furthermore, we have modified our pricing for these services to ensure that PAS de Mexico continues to operate in the Mexican market. Corporativo does not fund any of the operating expenses of PAS de Mexico. Thus, we consolidate WP Com within our consolidated financial statements and we account for the percentage interest in the voting equity of WP Com owned by Corporativo as a noncontrolling interest, which is included in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet in accordance with FASB ASC 810.
	(d) Equity Attributable to Intelsat S.A. and Noncontrolling Interests
	The following tables present changes in equity attributable to the Company and equity attributable to our noncontrolling interests, which is included in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):
		Intelsat S.A.			Noncontrolling			Total Shareholders’
		Shareholders’			Interest			Deficit
		Deficit
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	(1,198,885	)	$	50,926		$	(1,147,959	)
	Net income (loss)		(151,137	)		3,582			(147,555	)
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			(8,838	)		(8,838	)
	Mark to market adjustment for redeemable noncontrolling interest		(7,663	)		—			(7,663	)
	Vesting of equity awards of certain executive officers		6,825			—			6,825
	Postretirement/pension liability adjustment		(7,288	)		—			(7,288	)
	Other comprehensive income		388			—			388
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(1,357,760	)	$	45,670		$	(1,312,090	)
		Intelsat S.A.			Noncontrolling			Total Shareholders’
		Shareholders’			Interest			Deficit
		Deficit
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(1,357,760	)	$	45,670		$	(1,312,090	)
	Net income (loss)		(255,680	)		3,687			(251,993	)
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			(8,671	)		(8,671	)
	Initial public offering, net of costs		542,796			—			542,796
	Change in classification of certain equity awards		18,899			—			18,899
	Share-based compensation		28,553			—			28,553
	Declaration of preferred stock dividend		(10,196	)		—			(10,196	)
	Postretirement/pension liability adjustment		57,283			—			57,283
	Other comprehensive income		752			—			752
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(975,353	)	$	40,686		$	(934,667	)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Note 11 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The carrying amounts of goodwill and acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of		As of
		December 31,		December 31,
		2012		2013
	Goodwill	$	6,780,827	$	6,780,827
	Orbital locations		2,387,700		2,387,700
	Trade name		70,400		70,400
	We account for goodwill and other non-amortizable intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC 350, and have deemed these assets to have indefinite lives. Therefore, these assets are not amortized but are tested on an annual basis for impairment during the fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The following is a discussion of our impairment analysis and methodology:
	(a) Goodwill
	We are required to identify reporting units at a level below the company’s identified operating segments for impairment analysis. We have identified only one reporting unit for the goodwill impairment test.
	In accordance with ASU 2011-08, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, there is a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We make our qualitative evaluation considering, among other things, general macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events. Based on our examination of these qualitative factors, we concluded that there was not a likelihood of more than 50% that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than its carrying value; therefore, no further testing of goodwill was required.
	The assessment of qualitative factors requires significant judgment. Alternative interpretations of the qualitative factors could have resulted in a different conclusion as to whether it was not more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than its carrying value. A different conclusion would require a more detailed quantitative analysis to be performed, which could, in future years, result in an impairment charge for goodwill.
	(b) Orbital Locations, Trade Name and other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Orbital Locations. Intelsat is authorized by governments to operate satellites at certain orbital locations—i.e., longitudinal coordinates along the Clarke Belt. The Clarke Belt is the part of space approximately 35,800 kilometers above the plane of the equator where geostationary orbit may be achieved. Various governments acquire rights to these orbital locations through filings made with the ITU, a sub-organization of the United Nations. We will continue to have rights to operate at our orbital locations so long as we maintain our authorizations to do so. See “Part I—Item 3D—Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Regulation”.
	Our rights to operate at orbital locations can be used and sold individually; however, since satellites and customers can be and are moved from one orbital location to another, our rights are used in conjunction with each other as a network that can change to meet the changing needs of our customers and market demands. Due to the interchangeable nature of orbital locations, the aggregate value of all of the orbital locations is used to measure the extent of impairment, if any.
	We determined the estimated fair value of our rights to operate at orbital locations using the build-up method to determine the cash flows for the income approach, with the resulting projected cash flows discounted at an appropriate weighted average cost of capital. In instances where the build-up method did not generate positive value for the rights to operate at an orbital location, but the rights were expected to generate revenue, we assigned a value based upon independent source data for recent transactions of similar orbital locations, which are all considered Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC 820. We updated our analysis of our orbital locations in the fourth quarter of 2013, and concluded there is no impairment.
	Trade name. We have implemented the relief from royalty method to determine the estimated fair value of the Intelsat trade name. The relief from royalty analysis is comprised of two major steps: i) a determination of the hypothetical royalty rate, and ii) the subsequent application of the royalty rate to projected revenue. In determining the hypothetical royalty rate utilized in the relief from royalty approach, we considered comparable license agreements, operating earnings benchmark rule of thumb, an excess earnings analysis to determine aggregate intangible asset earnings, and other qualitative factors, which are all considered Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC 820. Based on our analysis, the fair value of the Intelsat trade name as of the year ended December 2013 was not impaired.
	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2012							As of December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount					Amount		Amount					Amount
	Backlog and other	$	743,760	$	(520,204	)	$	223,556	$	743,760	$	(575,045	)	$	168,715
	Customer relationships		534,030		(106,499	)		427,531		534,030		(133,970	)		400,060
	Technology		2,700		(2,700	)		—		2,700		(2,700	)		—
	Total	$	1,280,490	$	(629,403	)	$	651,087	$	1,280,490	$	(711,715	)	$	568,775
	Intangible assets are amortized based on the expected pattern of consumption. As of December 31, 2013, backlog and other and customer relationships had weighted-average useful lives of four years and thirteen years, respectively. We recorded amortization expense of $105.5 million, $91.8 million and $82.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	Scheduled amortization charges for the intangible assets over the next five years are as follows (in thousands):
	Year	Amount
	2014	$	68,231
	2015		60,215
	2016		48,491
	2017		42,254
	2018		38,481
	In accordance with FASB ASC 350, we are required to disclose on an interim and annual basis our policy related to the renewal or extension of the term of our intangible assets. Our policy is to expense all costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our intangible assets. The renewal expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were immaterial to our consolidated results of operations.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt	'
	Note 12 Long-Term Debt
	The carrying values and fair values of our notes payable and long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2012					As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Intelsat S.A.:
	Notes payable to former employee shareholders	$	739		$	739	$	—		$	—
	Total Intelsat S.A. obligations		739			739		—			—
	Intelsat Investment Holdings S.á r.l.:
	Notes payable to former employee shareholders		129			129		—			—
	Total Intelsat Investment Holdings S.á r.l. obligations		129			129		—			—
	Intelsat Investments S.A.:
	6.5% Senior Notes due November 2013		353,550			367,268		—			—
	Unamortized discount on 6.5% Senior Notes		(25,312	)		—		—			—
	Total Intelsat Investments S.A. obligations		328,238			367,268		—			—
	Intelsat Luxembourg:
	11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017		2,805,000			2,966,288		—			—
	11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017		2,502,986			2,653,165		—			—
	6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018		—			—		500,000			530,000
	7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021		—			—		2,000,000			2,145,000
	8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023		—			—		1,000,000			1,071,300
	Total Intelsat Luxembourg obligations		5,307,986			5,619,453		3,500,000			3,746,300
	Intelsat Jackson:
	8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019		500,000			561,250		500,000			545,650
	Unamortized discount on 8.5% Senior Notes		(3,218	)		—		(2,864	)		—
	7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020		2,200,000			2,392,500		2,200,000			2,409,000
	Unamortized premium on 7.25% Senior Notes		19,745			—		17,799			—
	7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019		1,500,000			1,614,450		1,500,000			1,612,500
	7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021		1,150,000			1,267,875		1,150,000			1,267,875
	6.625% Senior Notes due December 2022		640,000			660,800		1,275,000			1,310,063
	Unamortized premium on 6.625% Senior Notes		—			—		37,918			—
	5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023		—			—		2,000,000			1,890,000
	Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014		195,152			192,713		—			—
	New Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014		810,876			800,740		—			—
	Senior Secured Credit Facilities due June 2019		3,218,000			3,238,595		3,095,000			3,103,666
	Unamortized discount on Senior Credit Facilities		(12,289	)		—		(9,857	)		—
	Total Intelsat Jackson obligations		10,218,266			10,728,923		11,762,996			12,138,754
	Horizons Holdings:
	Loan Payable to JSAT		48,836			48,836		24,418			24,418
	Total Horizons Holdings obligation		48,836			48,836		24,418			24,418
	Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt		15,904,194		$	16,765,348		15,287,414		$	15,909,472
	Less:
	Current portion of long-term debt		57,466					24,418
	Total long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	15,846,728				$	15,262,996
	The fair value for publicly traded instruments is determined using quoted market prices, and for non-publicly traded instruments, fair value is based upon composite pricing from a variety of sources, including market leading data providers, market makers, and leading brokerage firms. Substantially all of the inputs used to determine the fair value of our debt are classified as Level 1 inputs within the fair value hierarchy from FASB ASC 820, except our senior secured credit facilities, the inputs for which are classified as Level 2. The fair value of the Horizons Holdings obligation approximates its book value.
	Required principal repayments of long-term debt over the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year	Amount
	2014	$	24,418
	2015		—
	2016		—
	2017		—
	2018		500,000
	2019 and thereafter		14,720,000
	Total principal repayments		15,244,418
	Unamortized discounts and premium		42,996
	Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt	$	15,287,414
	2013 Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Credit Facilities Prepayment
	In October 2013, Intelsat Jackson prepaid $100.0 million of indebtedness outstanding under the term loan facility. In connection with this prepayment, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.3 million, consisting of a write-off of unamortized debt issuance cost.
	2013 Intelsat Luxembourg Notes Offerings and Redemptions
	On April 5, 2013 Intelsat Luxembourg completed an offering of $3.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, consisting of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Luxembourg Notes”), $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021(the “2021 Luxembourg Notes”) and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 8 1/8% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023 Luxembourg Notes” and collectively with the 2018 Luxembourg Notes and the 2021 Luxembourg Notes, the “New Luxembourg Notes”). The net proceeds from this offering were used by Intelsat Luxembourg in April 2013 to redeem all $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Intelsat Luxembourg’s outstanding 11  1⁄2 / 12  1⁄2 % Senior PIK Election Notes and $754.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Senior Notes.
	On May 23, 2013, Intelsat Luxembourg redeemed $366.4 million aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Senior Notes. The redemption was funded by insurance proceeds received from our total loss claim for the IS-27 satellite launch failure (see Note 9(b)—Satellites and Other Property and Equipment—Satellite Launches).
	In connection with the above redemptions, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $232.1 million in the second quarter of 2013, consisting of the difference between the carrying value of the aggregate debt redeemed and the total cash amount paid (including related fees), and a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
	2013 Intelsat Investments Notes Redemption
	On April 12, 2012, we obtained agreements from affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley to provide unsecured term loan commitments sufficient to refinance in full the Intelsat Investments Notes on or immediately prior to their maturity date, in the event that Intelsat Investments did not otherwise refinance or retire the Intelsat Investments Notes. These term loans would have had a maturity of two years from funding, and the funding thereof was subject to various terms and conditions. Prior to the completion of the IPO, based on our ability and intent to refinance the Intelsat Investments Notes, these notes were reflected in long-term debt, net of current portion, on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012.
On May 23, 2013, Intelsat Investments redeemed all of the outstanding $353.6 million aggregate principal amount of the Intelsat Investments Notes. The redemption of the Intelsat Investments Notes was funded by the proceeds of the IPO. In connection with the redemption of the Intelsat Investments Notes, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $24.2 million in the second quarter of 2013, consisting of the difference between the carrying value of the debt redeemed and the total cash paid (including related fees), and a write-off of unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs. Additionally, in conjunction with the redemption of the Intelsat Investments Notes, the agreements to provide unsecured term loan commitments discussed above were terminated. We recorded a charge of $7.6 million related to this termination in the second quarter of 2013.
2013 Intelsat Jackson New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility Prepayment
On April 23, 2013, upon completion of the IPO, Intelsat Jackson prepaid $138.2 million of indebtedness outstanding under the New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility. The partial prepayment of the New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility was funded by the proceeds of the IPO. In connection with the partial prepayment of the New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2013, consisting of a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
2013 Intelsat Jackson Notes Offerings, Credit Facility Prepayments and Redemptions
On June 5, 2013 Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $2.6 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, consisting of $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5 1⁄2% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023 Jackson Notes”) and $635.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6 5⁄8 % Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Jackson Notes” and collectively with the 2023 Jackson notes, the “New Jackson Notes”). The net proceeds from this offering were used by Intelsat Jackson in June 2013 to prepay all $672.7 million of indebtedness outstanding under its New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility, and all $195.2 million of indebtedness outstanding under its Senior Unsecured Credit Agreement, consisting of a senior unsecured term loan facility due February 2014 (the “Senior Unsecured Credit Facility”). The remaining net proceeds were used to redeem all of the remaining $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2017 Senior Notes.
In connection with these prepayments and redemptions, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $110.3 million in the second quarter of 2013, consisting of the difference between the carrying value of the aggregate debt prepaid and redeemed and the total cash amount paid (including related fees), and a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
2012 Intelsat Jackson Notes Offerings, Tender Offers and Redemptions
On April 26, 2012, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of its 7 1/4% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Jackson Notes”). Intelsat Jackson had previously issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Jackson Notes on September 30, 2010. The net proceeds from the April 2012 offering were used by Intelsat Jackson to repurchase or redeem all of the $701.9 million aggregate principal amount of Intelsat Jackson’s outstanding 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 and $445.0 million aggregate principal amount of Intelsat Jackson’s 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “2016 Jackson 11 1/4% Notes”). In connection with these repurchases and redemptions, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $43.4 million during the second quarter of 2012, consisting of the difference between the carrying value of the aggregate debt repurchased or redeemed and the total cash amount paid (including related fees), and a write-off of unamortized debt premium and debt issuance costs.
On October 3, 2012, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $640.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 6 5⁄8 % Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Jackson Notes” ). The net proceeds from the October 2012 offering were used by Intelsat Jackson to repurchase or redeem all of its outstanding $603.2 million principal amount of the 2016 Jackson 11 1/4% Notes. In connection with these repurchases and redemptions, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $24.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, consisting of the difference between the carrying value of the debt repurchased or redeemed and the total cash amount paid (including related fees), and a write-off of unamortized debt premium.
2012 New Dawn Equity Purchase and Repayment of Credit Facilities
On December 5, 2008, New Dawn entered into a $215.0 million secured financing arrangement with an eight-year maturity that consisted of senior and mezzanine term loan facilities. Subsequent to the April 2011 launch of the IS-28 satellite, which experienced an anomaly resulting in the failure to deploy the C-band antenna reflector, the New Dawn joint venture filed a partial loss claim with its insurer. The claim was finalized and total insurance recoveries of $118.0 million were received. In July 2012, a payment of $112.2 million was made to prepay a portion of New Dawn’s outstanding borrowings under its credit facilities. In connection with this prepayment, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $3.1 million during the third quarter of 2012, associated with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
On October 5, 2012, in conjunction with the New Dawn Equity Purchase (see Note 10(b)—Investments—New Dawn) we repaid the remaining $82.6 million outstanding under New Dawn’s credit facilities and designated the New Dawn entities as restricted subsidiaries for purposes of applicable indentures and credit agreements of ours and our subsidiaries. In connection with this repayment, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, associated with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Description of Indebtedness
(a) Intelsat Luxembourg
6  3⁄4% Senior Notes due 2018
Intelsat Luxembourg had $500 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Luxembourg Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013. The 2018 Luxembourg Notes bear interest at 6  3⁄4% annually and mature in June 2018. The 2018 Luxembourg Notes are guaranteed by Intelsat S.A., Intelsat Investment Holdings S.à r.l., Intelsat Holdings S.A. and Intelsat Investments S.A. (the “Parent Guarantors”).
Interest is payable on the 2018 Luxembourg Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem the 2018 Luxembourg Notes, in whole or in part, prior to June 1, 2015 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes.
Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Luxembourg Notes on or prior to June 1, 2015, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Intelsat Luxembourg or its direct or indirect parent, under the conditions set forth in the notes.
The 2018 Luxembourg Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Luxembourg and rank equally with Intelsat Luxembourg’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
7 3⁄4% Senior Notes due 2021
Intelsat Luxembourg had $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Luxembourg Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013. The 2021 Luxembourg Notes bear interest at 7  3⁄4% annually and mature in June 2021. The 2021 Luxembourg Notes are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors.
Interest is payable on the 2021 Luxembourg Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem the 2021 Luxembourg Notes, in whole or in part, prior to June 1, 2017 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes.
Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Luxembourg Notes on or prior to June 1, 2016, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Intelsat Luxembourg or its direct or indirect parent, under the conditions set forth in the notes.
The 2021 Luxembourg Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Luxembourg and rank equally with Intelsat Luxembourg’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
8 1/8% Senior Notes due 2023
Intelsat Luxembourg had $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Luxembourg Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013. The 2023 Luxembourg Notes bear interest at 8 1/8% annually and mature in June 2023. The 2023 Luxembourg Notes are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors.
Interest is payable on the 2023 Luxembourg Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem the 2023 Luxembourg Notes, in whole or in part, prior to June 1, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes.
Intelsat Luxembourg may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Luxembourg Notes on or prior to June 1, 2016, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Intelsat Luxembourg or its direct or indirect parent, under the conditions set forth in the notes.
The 2023 Luxembourg Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Luxembourg and rank equally with Intelsat Luxembourg’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
(b) Intelsat Jackson
8  1⁄2 % Senior Notes due 2019
Intelsat Jackson had $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8 1/2 % Senior Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Jackson Notes”) outstanding at December 31, 2013. The 2019 Jackson Notes are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries.
Interest is payable on the 2019 Jackson Notes semi-annually on May 1 and November 1. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2019 Jackson Notes at any time prior to November 1, 2014 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the make-whole premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes.
The 2019 Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
7 1⁄4% Senior Notes due 2020
Intelsat Jackson had $2.2 billion in aggregate principal amount of 2020 Jackson Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013. The 2020 Jackson Notes bear interest at 7 1/4% annually and mature in October 2020. These notes are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries.
Interest is payable on the 2020 Jackson Notes semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2020 Jackson Notes at any time prior to October 15, 2015 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable premium described in the respective notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes.
The 2020 Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
7 1⁄4% Senior Notes due 2019 and 7 1/2% Senior Notes due 2021
Intelsat Jackson had $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of its 7 1/4% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “7 1/4% 2019 Jackson Notes”) and $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of its 7 1/2% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Jackson Notes” and, together with the 7 1/4% 2019 Jackson Notes, the “New Jackson Notes”) outstanding at December 31, 2013. The New Jackson Notes are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg, and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries.
Interest is payable on the New Jackson Notes semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. Intelsat Jackson may redeem the 7 1/4% 2019 Jackson Notes and the 2021 Jackson Notes, in whole or in part, prior to April 1, 2015 and April 1, 2016, respectively, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus the applicable premium described in the respective notes. Intelsat Jackson may redeem the 7 1/4% 2019 Jackson Notes and the 2021 Jackson Notes, in whole or in part, on or after April 1, 2015 and April 1, 2016, respectively, at redemption prices set forth in the respective notes.
Intelsat Jackson may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Jackson Notes on or prior to April 1, 2014, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Intelsat Jackson or its direct or indirect parent, under the conditions set forth in the respective notes.
The New Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
6 5⁄8% Senior Notes due 2022
Intelsat Jackson had $1.3 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Intelsat Jackson Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013. The 2022 Intelsat Jackson Notes bear interest at 6 5/8% annually and mature in December 2022. These notes are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors and Intelsat Luxembourg.
Interest is payable on the 2022 Intelsat Jackson Notes semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2022 Intelsat Jackson Notes at any time prior to December 15, 2017 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2022 Intelsat Jackson Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes.
Intelsat Jackson may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Intelsat Jackson Notes on or prior to December 15, 2015, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Intelsat Jackson or its direct or indirect parent, under the conditions set forth in the notes.
The 2022 Intelsat Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
5 1⁄2% Senior Notes due 2023
Intelsat Jackson had $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Jackson Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013. The 2023 Jackson Notes bear interest at 5  1⁄2% annually and mature in August 2023. These notes are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries.
Interest is payable on the 2023 Jackson Notes semi-annually on February 1 and August 1. Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2023 Jackson Notes at any time prior to August 1, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable premium described in the notes. Thereafter, Intelsat Jackson may redeem some or all of the 2023 Intelsat Jackson Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the notes.
Intelsat Jackson may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Jackson Notes prior to August 1, 2016, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Intelsat Jackson or its direct or indirect parent, under the conditions set forth in the notes.
The 2023 Jackson Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Intelsat Jackson and rank equally with Intelsat Jackson’s other senior unsecured indebtedness.
Intelsat Jackson Senior Secured Credit Agreement
On January 12, 2011, Intelsat Jackson entered into a secured credit agreement (the “Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement”), which includes a $3.25 billion term loan facility and a $500.0 million revolving credit facility, and borrowed the full $3.25 billion under the term loan facility. The term loan facility requires regularly scheduled quarterly payments of principal equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan beginning six months after January 12, 2011, with the remaining unpaid amount due and payable at maturity.
Up to $350.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for issuance of letters of credit. Additionally, up to $70.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for swingline loans. Both the face amount of any outstanding letters of credit and any swingline loans reduce availability under the revolving credit facility on a dollar for dollar basis. Intelsat Jackson is required to pay a commitment fee for the unused commitments under the revolving credit facility, if any, at a rate per annum of 0.375%. As of December 31, 2013, Intelsat Jackson had $487.0 million (net of standby letters of credit) of availability remaining thereunder.
On October 3, 2012, Intelsat Jackson entered into an Amendment and Joinder Agreement (the “Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment”), which amended the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. As a result of the Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment, interest rates for borrowings under the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility were reduced. In April 2013, our corporate family rating was upgraded by Moody’s, and as a result, the interest rate for the borrowing under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were further reduced to LIBOR plus 3.00% or the Above Bank Rate (“ABR”) plus 2.00%.
On November 27, 2013, Intelsat Jackson entered into a Second Amendment and Joinder Agreement (the “Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment”), which further amended the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. The Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment reduced interest rates for borrowings under the term loan facility and extended the maturity of the term loan facility. In addition, it reduced the interest rates applicable to $450 million of the $500 million total revolving credit facility and extended the maturity of such portion. As a result of the Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment, interest rates for borrowings under the term loan facility and the new tranche of the revolving credit facility are (i) LIBOR plus 2.75%, or (ii) the ABR plus 1.75%. The LIBOR and the ABR, plus applicable margins, related to the term loan facility and the new tranche of the revolving credit facility are determined as specified in the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement, as amended by the Second Jackson Credit Agreement Amendment, and the LIBOR will not be less than 1.00% per annum. The maturity date of the term loan facility was extended from April 2, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and the maturity of the new $450 million tranche of the revolving credit facility was extended from January 12, 2016 to July 12, 2017. The interest rates and maturity date applicable to the $50 million tranche of the revolving credit facility that was not amended did not change.
Intelsat Jackson’s obligations under the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Intelsat Luxembourg, and certain of Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries. Intelsat Jackson’s obligations under the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Intelsat Jackson and the guarantors, to the extent legally permissible and subject to certain agreed exceptions, and by a pledge of the equity interests of the subsidiary guarantors and the direct subsidiaries of each guarantor, subject to certain exceptions, including exceptions for equity interests in certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, existing contractual prohibitions and prohibitions under other legal requirements.
The Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants. Intelsat Jackson must maintain a consolidated secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio equal to or less than 3.50 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter as well as a consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense ratio equal to or greater than 1.75 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter, in each case as such financial measures are defined in the Intelsat Jackson Secured Credit Agreement. Intelsat Jackson was in compliance with these financial maintenance covenant ratios with a consolidated secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of 1.40 to 1.00 and a consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense ratio of 2.93 to 1.00 as of December 31, 2013.
(c) Horizons Holdings
Horizons Holdings had $24.4 million in aggregate principal amount of the Horizons 2 Loan Agreement outstanding at December 31, 2013. These notes bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.6%. Horizons Holdings’ obligations under the loan agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the assets of Horizons Holdings, Horizons-1 and Horizons-2. Payments on the Horizons 2 Loan Agreement are made semi-annually in March and September in equal installments. As of December 31, 2013, two semi-annual payments remain on the Horizons 2 Loan Agreement, which will be fully repaid in September 2014.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Note 13 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Interest Rate Swaps
	We are subject to interest rate risk primarily associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates could adversely affect earnings and cash flows. Specific interest rate risk includes: the risk of increasing interest rates on short-term debt; the risk of increasing interest rates for planned new fixed long-term financings; and the risk of increasing interest rates for planned refinancing using long-term fixed-rate debt. We have entered into interest rate swap agreements to reduce the impact of interest rate movements on future interest expense by converting substantially all of our floating-rate debt to a fixed rate.
	As of December 31, 2013, we held interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $1.6 billion which mature in January 2016. These swaps were entered into, as further described below, to economically hedge the variability in cash flow on a portion of the floating-rate term loans under our senior secured credit facilities, but have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes. On a quarterly basis, we receive a floating rate of interest equal to the three-month LIBOR and pay a fixed rate of interest. On the interest rate reset date of December 14, 2013, the interest rate which the counterparties utilized to compute interest due to us was determined to be 0.24%. On March 14, 2013, our interest rate swap with an aggregate notional principal amount of $731.4 million expired.
	The counterparties to our interest rate swap agreements are highly rated financial institutions. In the unlikely event that the counterparties fail to meet the terms of the interest rate swaps, our exposure is limited to the interest rate differential on the notional amount at each quarterly settlement period over the life of the agreement. We do not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties.
	All of our interest rate swaps were undesignated as of December 31, 2013. The swaps are marked-to-market quarterly with any change in fair value recorded within losses on derivative financial instruments in our consolidated statements of operations. We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements of our derivatives. The fair value measurement of derivatives could result in either a net asset or a net liability position for us. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting arrangements as applicable and necessary. When the swaps are in a net liability position for us, the credit valuation adjustments are calculated by determining the total expected exposure of the derivatives, incorporating the current and potential future exposures and then applying an applicable credit spread to the exposure. The total expected exposure of a derivative is derived using market-observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities. The inputs utilized for our own credit spread are based on implied spreads from traded levels of our debt. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2013, we recorded a non-cash credit valuation adjustment of approximately $1.6 million as a reduction to our liability.
	Put Option Embedded Derivative Instrument
	On the date of issuance of the 2015 Intelsat Sub Holdco Notes, Series B, we determined that these debt instruments contained a contingent put option clause within the host contract, which afforded the holders of the notes the option to require the issuer to repurchase such notes at 101% of their principal amount in the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the notes. In our evaluation of the financing arrangement, we concluded that the contingent put option required bifurcation in accordance with current accounting standards under FASB ASC 815. We therefore bifurcated the contingent put option and carried it as a derivative liability at fair value. We estimated the fair value of the derivative on the date of inception using a standard valuation technique, which places the most significant emphasis upon the estimated date and probability of a change of control and incorporated the issue price, maturity date and change of control put price. We subsequently revalued the derivative at the end of each reporting period, recognizing any change in fair value through earnings. The fair value of the embedded derivative was calculated as $4.3 million at December 31, 2010. As of May 5, 2011, we redeemed the entire $400 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2015 Intelsat Sub Holdco Notes, Series B. Therefore, we derecognized the embedded derivative liability and the value at December 31, 2011 was $0. We recorded a gain of $4.3 million included in losses on derivative financial instruments in our consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2011 to adjust the fair market value of the put option embedded derivative to $0.
	The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives by category (in thousands):
			Liability Derivatives
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	December 31,			December 31,
			2012			2013
	Undesignated interest rate swaps	Other current liabilities	$	7,246		$	1,241
	Undesignated interest rate swaps	Other long-term liabilities		67,318			47,578
	Total derivatives		$	74,564		$	48,819
	The following table sets forth the effect of the derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
	Derivatives not designated as	Presentation in Statements of Operations	Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
	hedging instruments		December 31,			December 31,		December 31,
			2011			2012		2013
	Undesignated interest rate swaps	Losses on derivative financial instruments	$	28,930		$	39,935	$	8,064
	Put option embedded derivative	Losses on derivative financial instruments		(4,295	)		—		—
	Total losses on derivative financial instruments		$	24,635		$	39,935	$	8,064

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	Note 14 Income Taxes
	The following table summarizes our total loss before income taxes (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Domestic income (loss) before income taxes	$	(567,039	)	$	(627,617	)	$	(356,019	)
	Foreign income (loss) before income taxes		76,381			458,488			73,189
	Total loss before income taxes	$	(490,658	)	$	(169,129	)	$	(282,830	)
	The composition of our income (loss) between domestic and foreign sources changed in 2013 principally due to an internal subsidiary reorganization.
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Current income tax provision (benefit)
	Domestic	$	1,162		$	1,019		$	856
	Foreign		23,011			41,239			33,654
	Total		24,173			42,258			34,510
	Deferred income tax provision (benefit):
	Domestic		—			—			—
	Foreign		(79,566	)		(61,889	)		(65,347	)
	Total		(79,566	)		(61,889	)		(65,347	)
	Total income tax provision (benefit):	$	(55,393	)	$	(19,631	)	$	(30,837	)
	The income tax provision (benefit) was different from the amount computed using the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 29.22% for the reasons set forth in the following table (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Expected tax benefit at Luxembourg statutory income tax rate	$	(141,310	)	$	(48,709	)	$	(82,643	)
	Foreign income tax differential		27,626			33,118			35,511
	Nontaxable interest income		(102,758	)		(136,478	)		(93,154	)
	U.S. extraterritorial income exclusion tax benefit		(208	)		(37,597	)		—
	Change in tax rate		716			—			—
	Changes in unrecognized tax benefits		(5,087	)		1,756			(3,997	)
	Changes in valuation allowance		173,930			174,038			171,433
	Tax effect of 2011 Intercompany Sale		(6,272	)		(6,416	)		(6,865	)
	Foreign Tax Credits		—			—			(44,137	)
	Research and Development Tax Credits		—			—			(5,890	)
	Other		(2,030	)		657			(1,095	)
	Total income tax provision	$	(55,393	)	$	(19,631	)	$	(30,837	)
	The majority of our operations are subject to tax in Luxembourg, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Our Luxembourg companies that file tax returns as a consolidated group generated a loss for the year ended December 31, 2013. Due to our cumulative losses in recent years, and the inherent uncertainty associated with the realization of taxable income in the foreseeable future, we recorded a full valuation allowance against the cumulative net operating losses in Luxembourg as of December 31, 2012 and 2013. The difference between tax expense (benefit) reported in the consolidated statements of operations and tax computed at statutory rates is attributable to the valuation allowance on losses generated in Luxembourg, the provision for foreign taxes, which were principally in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as withholding taxes on revenue earned in many of the foreign markets in which we operate.
	In December 2012, Luxembourg enacted a tax rate change increasing the tax rate from 28.8% to 29.22%. The effective date of the enacted tax rate change was January 1, 2013. Due to the full valuation allowance on our Luxembourg net deferred tax assets, the rate change did not affect our tax expense. Our Luxembourg net operating loss includes the effect of Luxembourg GAAP to US GAAP differences, primarily related to fair value adjustments attributable to our Luxembourg Migration on December 15, 2009 and the 2011 Reorganization.
	The following table details the composition of the net deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2012			2013
	Current deferred taxes, net	$	94,779		$	44,475
	Long-term deferred taxes, net		(286,673	)		(202,638	)
	Other assets		7,957			9,246
	Net deferred taxes	$	(183,937	)	$	(148,917	)
	The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2012			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accruals and advances	$	35,801		$	23,959
	Amortizable intangible assets		516,562			188,800
	Non-amortizable intangible assets		30,588			—
	Performance incentives		29,653			26,146
	Customer deposits		50,833			51,318
	Bad debt reserve		4,113			3,436
	Accrued retirement benefits		100,748			67,337
	Interest rate swap		3,562			568
	Satellites and other property and equipment		337,476			44,487
	Disallowed interest expense carryforward		88,192			95,427
Net operating loss carryforward		1,068,126			1,265,624
Capital loss carryforward		22,259			—
Tax credits		20,643			73,916
Other		60,137			15,675
Total deferred tax assets		2,368,693			1,856,693
Deferred tax liabilities:
Satellites and other property and equipment		(64,700	)		(49,077	)
Amortizable intangible assets		(34,958	)		(44,297	)
Non-amortizable intangible assets		(267,965	)		(254,384	)
Tax basis differences in investments and affiliates		(238,859	)		(187,283	)
Other		(2,783	)		(5,863	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(609,265	)		(540,904	)
Valuation allowance		(1,943,365	)		(1,464,706	)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(183,937	)	$	(148,917	)
As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, our consolidated balance sheets included a deferred tax asset in the amount of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, attributable to the future benefit from the utilization of certain net operating loss carryforwards and $20.6 million and $73.9 million of deferred tax assets, respectively, attributable to the future benefit from the utilization of tax credit carryforwards. As of December 31, 2013, we had tax effected U.S. federal, state and other foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards of $67.8 million expiring, for the most part, between 2018 and 2033 and tax effected Luxembourg net operating loss carryforwards of $1.2 billion without expiration. These Luxembourg net operating loss carryforwards were caused primarily by our interest expense, satellite depreciation and the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets. Our alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of $21.0 million may be carried forward indefinitely, and the $8.8 million research and development credit may be carried forward to years between 2016 and 2018. Our capital loss carry forward as of December 31, 2012 of $22.3 million was used in full in 2013, and an offsetting valuation allowance was released.
Our valuation allowance as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 was $1.9 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. Almost all of the valuation allowance relates to Luxembourg net operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax assets created by differences between US GAAP and Luxembourg tax basis. Certain operations of our subsidiaries are controlled by various intercompany agreements which provide these subsidiaries with predictable operating profits. Other subsidiaries, principally Luxembourg subsidiaries, are subject to the risks of our overall business conditions which make their earnings less predictable.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
	2012			2013
Balance at January 1	$	64,767		$	67,015
Increases related to current year tax positions		3,593			3,477
Increases related to prior year tax positions		3,580			3,107
Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(3,177	)		(6,443	)
Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes		(1,748	)		(2,045	)
Balance at December 31	$	67,015		$	65,111
As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 our gross unrecognized tax benefits were $67.0 million and $65.1 million, respectively (including interest and penalties), of which $48.4 million and $44.4 million, respectively, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, we had recorded reserves for interest and penalties of $11.6 million and $14.7 million, respectively. We recognize interest and, to the extent applicable, penalties with respect to the unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Since December 31, 2012, the change in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits consisted of a decrease of $3.3 million related to prior period tax positions, an increase of $3.4 million related to current tax positions, and decrease of $2.0 million due to the expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes.
We operate in various tax jurisdictions throughout the world and our tax returns are subject to audit and review from time to time. We consider Luxembourg, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil to be our significant tax jurisdictions. Our Luxembourg, U.S., U.K. and Brazilian companies are subject to federal, state and local income tax examination for periods after December 31, 2003.
Within the next twelve months, we believe that there are no jurisdictions in which the outcome of unresolved tax issues or claims is likely to be material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
On March 7, 2011, Intelsat Holding Corporation was notified by the Internal Revenue Service of its intent to initiate an audit for the tax years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009. On May 6, 2013, Intelsat Holding Corporation received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service effectively closing the audit of our federal income tax returns for these years. Certain previously unrecognized tax benefits were recognized as a result of the conclusion of this audit.
On March 7, 2013, Intelsat USA Sales Corporation (since January 2011, Intelsat USA Sales LLC, a disregarded subsidiary of Intelsat Corp) was notified by the U. S. Internal Revenue Service of its intent to initiate an audit for the tax year ending on December 31, 2010. Intelsat USA Sales LLC wholly owns Intelsat General Corporation, which provides services to U.S. government and other select military organizations and their contractors, as well as other commercial customers. At this point in time, it is too early to assess the probability of any adjustments resulting from this audit.
During the third quarter of 2013, we implemented an internal subsidiary reorganization. As a result, we recorded a significant tax benefit related to foreign tax credits we intend to claim on our U.S. subsidiaries’ tax returns. These foreign tax credits primarily relate to taxes paid in prior years and are expected to reduce our future tax liability.
Tax Contingency
Prior to August 20, 2004, our subsidiary, Intelsat Corp, joined with The DIRECTV Group and General Motors Corporation in filing a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. In April 2004, Intelsat Corp entered into a tax separation agreement with The DIRECTV Group that superseded four earlier tax-related agreements among Intelsat Corp and its subsidiaries, The DIRECTV Group and certain of its affiliates. Pursuant to the tax separation agreement, The DIRECTV Group agreed to indemnify Intelsat Corp for all federal and consolidated state and local income taxes a taxing authority may attempt to collect from Intelsat Corp regarding any liability for the federal or consolidated state or local income taxes of General Motors Corporation and The DIRECTV Group, except those income taxes Intelsat Corp is required to pay under the tax separation agreement. In addition, The DIRECTV Group agreed to indemnify Intelsat Corp for any taxes (other than those taxes described in the preceding sentence) related to any periods or portions of such periods ending on or prior to the day of the closing of the PanAmSat recapitalization, which occurred on August 20, 2004, in amounts equal to 80% of the first $75.0 million of such other taxes and 100% of any other taxes in excess of the first $75.0 million. As a result, Intelsat Corp’s tax exposure after indemnification related to these periods is capped at $15.0 million, of which $4.0 million has been paid to date. The tax separation agreement with The DIRECTV Group is effective from August 20, 2004 until the expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to all taxes to which the tax separation agreement relates. As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, we had a tax indemnification receivable of $2.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Contractual_Commitments

Contractual Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contractual Commitments	'
	Note 15 Contractual Commitments
	In the further development and operation of our commercial global communications satellite system, significant additional expenditures are anticipated. In connection with these and other expenditures, we have assumed a significant amount of long-term debt, as described in Note 12—Long-Term Debt. In addition to these debt and related interest obligations, we have expenditures represented by other contractual commitments. The additional expenditures as of December 31, 2013 and the expected year of payment are as follows (in thousands):
		Satellite		Satellite		Operating		Sublease			Customer and		Total
		Construction		Performance		Leases		Rental			Vendor
		and Launch		Incentive				Income			Contracts
		Obligations		Obligations
	2014	$	405,066	$	37,834	$	8,968	$	(418	)	$	116,799	$	568,249
	2015		445,013		28,880		14,698		(369	)		28,978		517,200
	2016		413,079		26,730		14,870		(299	)		19,421		473,801
	2017		337,509		25,089		13,688		(14	)		3,284		379,556
	2018		214,099		20,899		13,287		(20	)		1,732		249,997
	2019 and thereafter		253,176		124,445		148,158		(210	)		1,092		526,661
	Total contractual commitments	$	2,067,942	$	263,877	$	213,669	$	(1,330	)	$	171,306	$	2,715,464
	(a) Satellite Construction and Launch Obligations
	As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $2.1 billion of expenditures remaining under our existing satellite construction and launch contracts. Satellite launch and in-orbit insurance contracts related to future satellites to be launched are cancelable up to thirty days prior to the satellite’s launch. As of December 31, 2013, we did not have any non-cancelable commitments related to existing launch insurance or in-orbit insurance contracts for satellites to be launched.
	The satellite construction contracts typically require that we make progress payments during the period of the satellite’s construction. The satellite construction contracts contain provisions that allow us to terminate the contracts with or without cause. If terminated without cause, we would forfeit the progress payments and be subject to termination payments that escalate with the passage of time. If terminated for cause, we would be entitled to recover any payments we made under the contracts and certain liquidated damages as specified in the contracts.
	(b) Satellite Performance Incentive Obligations
	Satellite construction contracts also typically require that we make orbital incentive payments (plus interest as defined in each agreement with the satellite manufacturer) over the orbital life of the satellite. The incentive obligations may be subject to reduction or refund if the satellite fails to meet specific technical operating standards. As of December 31, 2013, we had $263.9 million recorded in relation to satellite performance incentive obligations, including future interest payments.
	(c) Operating Leases
	We have commitments for operating leases primarily relating to equipment and office facilities, including the New U.S. Administrative Headquarters, for which we entered into an agreement on November 30, 2012, and amended to increase space in 2013, to lease space in a building under construction in McLean, Virginia. The obligation and timing of the New U.S. Administrative Headquarters lease payments are contingent upon the completion of the building and office space. Further, if the building and office space is not complete by the appointed time in 2014, we will continue to lease space at the U.S. Administrative Headquarters Property in Washington, D.C. Leases related to equipment and office facilities contain rental escalation provisions for increases. As of December 31, 2013, the total obligation related to operating leases, net of sublease income on leased facilities and rental income, was $212.3 million. Rental income and sublease income are included in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, was $4.9 million, $7.0 million and $13.1 million, respectively.
	(d) Customer and Vendor Contracts
	We have contracts with certain customers that require us to provide equipment, services and other support during the term of the related contracts. We also have long-term contractual obligations with service providers primarily for the operation of certain of our satellites. As of December 31, 2013, we had commitments under these customer and vendor contracts which totaled approximately $171.3 million related to the provision of equipment, services and other support.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingencies	'
	Note 16 Contingencies
	We are subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that the resolution of any pending proceedings would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Business_and_Geographic_Segmen

Business and Geographic Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business and Geographic Segment Information	'
	Note 17 Business and Geographic Segment Information
	We operate in a single industry segment in which we provide satellite services to our communications customers around the world. Revenue by region is based on the locations of customers to which services are billed. Our satellites are in geosynchronous orbit, and consequently are not attributable to any geographic location. Of our remaining assets, substantially all are located in the United States.
	We earn revenue primarily by providing services to our customers using our satellite transponder capacity. Our customers generally obtain satellite capacity from us by placing an order pursuant to one of several master customer service agreements. Our customer agreements also cover services that we procure from third parties and resell, which we refer to as off-network services. These services can include transponder services and other satellite-based transmission services in frequencies not available on our network. Under the category off-network and other revenues, we also include revenues from consulting and other services.
	The geographic distribution of our revenue based upon billing region of the customer was as follows:
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	North America		47	%		46	%		45	%
	Europe		16	%		16	%		16	%
	Africa and Middle East		17	%		16	%		15	%
	Latin America and Caribbean		14	%		15	%		16	%
	Asia Pacific		6	%		7	%		8	%
	Approximately 4% of our revenue was derived from our largest customer during each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The ten largest customers accounted for approximately 27%, 25% and 25% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	Our revenues were derived from the following services, with Off-Network and Other Revenues shown separately from On-Network Revenues (in thousands, except percentages):
		Year Ended						Year Ended					Year Ended
		December 31, 2011						December 31, 2012					December 31, 2013
	On-Network Revenues
	Transponder services	$	1,907,768			74	%	$	1,950,230		75	%	$	1,988,771	76	%
	Managed services		282,386			11	%		276,024		11	%		298,623	11	%
	Channel		104,981			4	%		91,805		4	%		72,123	3	%
	Total on-network revenues		2,295,135			89	%		2,318,059		89	%		2,359,517	91	%
	Off-Network and Other Revenues
	Transponder, MSS and other off-network services		237,020			9	%		234,143		9	%		194,601	7	%
	Satellite-related services		56,271			2	%		57,950		2	%		49,505	2	%
	Total off-network and other revenues		293,291			11	%		292,093		11	%		244,106	9	%
	Total	$	2,588,426			100	%	$	2,610,152		100	%	$	2,603,623	100	%

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions	'
	Note 18 Related Party Transactions
	(a) Shareholders’ Agreements
	Certain shareholders of Intelsat Global S.A. entered into shareholders’ agreements on February 4, 2008. The shareholders’ agreements were assigned to Intelsat S.A. by amendments effective as of March 30, 2012. The shareholders’ agreements and the articles of incorporation of Intelsat S.A. provided, among other things, for the governance of Intelsat S.A. and its subsidiaries and provided specific rights to and limitations upon the holders of Intelsat S.A.’s share capital with respect to shares held by such holders. In connection with the IPO in April 2013, these articles of incorporation and shareholders’ agreements were amended.
	(b) Monitoring Fee Agreement
	Intelsat Luxembourg, our wholly-owned subsidiary, had the 2008 MFA with BC Partners Limited and Silver Lake Management Company III, L.L.C. (together, the “2008 MFA Parties”), pursuant to which the 2008 MFA Parties provided certain monitoring, advisory and consulting services to Intelsat Luxembourg.
	In connection with the IPO in April 2013, the 2008 MFA was terminated and we paid a fee of $39.1 million to the 2008 MFA Parties in connection with the termination. The $39.1 million payment, together with a write-off of $17.2 million of prepaid fees relating to the balance of 2013, were expensed upon consummation of the IPO, and are included within selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of operations. We recorded expense for services associated with the 2008 MFA of $24.9 million and $25.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. We recorded expense for services associated with, and including the termination of, the 2008 MFA of $64.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	(c) Governance Agreement
	Prior to the consummation of the IPO, we entered into a governance agreement (the “Governance Agreement”) with our shareholder affiliated with BC Partners (the “BC Shareholder”), our shareholder affiliated with Silver Lake (the “Silver Lake Shareholder”) and David McGlade (collectively with the BC Shareholder and the Silver Lake Shareholder, the “Governance Shareholders”). The Governance Agreement contains provisions relating to the composition of our board of directors and certain other matters.
	(d) Indemnification Agreements
	We have entered into agreements with our executive officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our articles of incorporation.
	(e) Horizons Holdings
	We have a 50% ownership interest in Horizons Holdings as a result of a joint venture with JSAT (see Note 10(a)—Investments—Horizons Holdings).
	(f) WP Com
	We have a 49% ownership interest in WP Com as a result of a joint venture with Corporativo (see Note 10(c)—Investments—WP Com).

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation

Quarterly Results of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations	'
	Note 19 Quarterly Results of Operations (in thousands, unaudited)
		Quarter Ended
	2012	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	Revenue	$	644,169		$	638,668		$	654,946		$	672,368
	Income from operations		291,275			281,543			300,959			311,611
	Net loss		(25,067	)		(84,328	)		(35,349	)		(4,755	)
	Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.		(25,248	)		(84,710	)		(35,430	)		(5,750	)
	Net loss per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
	Basic	$	(0.30	)	$	(1.02	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.07	)
	Diluted		(0.30	)		(1.02	)		(0.43	)		(0.07	)
		Quarter Ended
	2013	31-Mar			30-Jun			September 30			December 31
	Revenue	$	655,127		$	653,803		$	651,844		$	642,848
	Income from operations		310,049			255,638			308,082			330,604
	Net income (loss)		(6,916	)		(407,266	)		88,574			73,615
	Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.		(7,804	)		(408,305	)		87,798			72,631
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
	Basic	$	(0.09	)	$	(4.19	)	$	0.83		$	0.69
	Diluted		(0.09	)		(4.19	)		0.75			0.62
	The quarter ended June 30, 2012 included a $43.4 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the repayment of debt in connection with the 2012 Intelsat Jackson Notes Offering, Tender Offers and Redemptions. The quarter ended September 30, 2012 included a $20.0 million pre-tax charge plus $1.0 million of associated costs and expenses in connection with the expiration of an unconsummated third-party investment commitment. The quarter ended December 31, 2012 included a $24.3 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the repayment of debt in connection with the 2012 Intelsat Jackson Notes Offering, Tender Offers and Redemptions.
	The quarter ended June 30, 2013 included a $366.8 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the repayment of debt in connection with the 2013 Intelsat Luxembourg Notes Offerings and Redemptions, the 2013 Intelsat Investments Notes Redemption, the 2013 Intelsat Jackson New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility Prepayment and the 2013 Intelsat Jackson Notes Offerings, Credit Facility Prepayments and Redemptions. The quarter ended June 30, 2013 also included expenses in connection with the IPO, including a $39.1 million payment associated with the termination of the 2008 MFA, a write-off of $17.2 million in prepaid fees for the balance of 2013 related to the 2008 MFA and a pre-tax charge of $21.3 million associated with the IPO-Related Compensation Charges.

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information	'
	Note 20 Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information
	On April 5, 2011, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $2.65 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, consisting of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of the 7 1/4% Senior Notes due 2019 and $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of the 7 1/2% Senior Notes due 2021 (collectively the “2011 Jackson Notes”). The 2011 Jackson Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by Intelsat S.A., Intelsat Holdings, Intelsat Investment Holdings S.à r.l. and Intelsat Investments (collectively, the “Parent Guarantors”); Intelsat Luxembourg and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Intelsat Jackson (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”).
	On April 26, 2012, Intelsat Jackson completed an offering of $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Jackson Notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
	Separate financial statements of the Parent Guarantors, Intelsat Luxembourg, Intelsat Jackson and the Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented because management believes that such financial statements would not be material to investors. Investments in Intelsat Jackson’s subsidiaries in the following condensed consolidating financial information are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Consolidating adjustments include the following:
		•		elimination of investment in subsidiaries;
		•		elimination of intercompany accounts;
		•		elimination of intercompany sales between guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries; and
		•		elimination of equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries.
	Other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 was $35.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively, compared to other comprehensive income of $58.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Other comprehensive income (loss) is fully attributable to the Subsidiary Guarantors, which are also consolidated within Intelsat Jackson.
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
			Intelsat			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
			S.A. and			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
			Other									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
			Parent
			Guarantors
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	3,792		$	139		$	193,090		$	167,800		$	50,769		$	(167,800	)	$	247,790
	Receivables, net of allowance			—			—			160,023			159,656			76,324			(159,656	)		236,347
	Deferred income taxes			—			—			46,228			46,228			(1,753	)		(46,228	)		44,475
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			1,272			—			25,846			25,794			6,738			(26,426	)		33,224
	Intercompany receivables			—			—			421,504			386,820			20,609			(828,933	)		—
	Total current assets			5,064			139			846,691			786,298			152,687			(1,229,043	)		561,836
	Satellites and other property and equipment, net			—			—			5,698,952			5,698,952			147,106			(5,739,470	)		5,805,540
	Goodwill			—			—			6,780,827			6,780,827			—			(6,780,827	)		6,780,827
	Non-amortizable intangible assets			—			—			2,458,100			2,458,100			—			(2,458,100	)		2,458,100
	Amortizable intangible assets, net			—			—			568,775			568,775			—			(568,775	)		568,775
	Investment in affiliates			(428,647	)		3,053,901			227,320			227,320			—			(3,079,894	)		—
	Other assets			88			41,497			362,636			222,679			10,371			(222,679	)		414,592
	Total assets		$	(423,495	)	$	3,095,537		$	16,943,301		$	16,742,951		$	310,164		$	(20,078,788	)	$	16,589,670
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	28,795		$	32		$	132,454		$	130,178		$	22,290		$	(130,810	)	$	182,939
	Accrued interest payable			—			22,500			163,820			2,458			172			(2,458	)		186,492
	Current portion of long-term debt			—			—			—			—			24,418			—			24,418
	Deferred satellite performance incentives			—			—			21,089			21,089			1,614			(21,089	)		22,703
	Other current liabilities			—			—			154,014			152,772			3,011			(152,772	)		157,025
	Intercompany payables			441,907			206			—			—			—			(442,113	)		—
	Total current liabilities			470,702			22,738			471,377			306,497			51,505			(749,242	)		573,577
	Long-term debt, net of current portion			—			3,500,000			11,762,996			—			—			—			15,262,996
	Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion			—			—			153,023			153,023			881			(153,023	)		153,904
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion			—			—			887,446			887,446			793			(887,446	)		888,239
	Deferred income taxes			—			—			191,298			191,298			11,388			(191,346	)		202,638
	Accrued retirement benefits			—			—			196,657			196,657			199			(196,657	)		196,856
	Other long-term liabilities			—			—			226,603			179,025			19,524			(179,025	)		246,127
	Shareholders’ equity (deficit):
	Common shares			1,060			7,202			3,466,429			9,023,860			24			(12,497,515	)		1,060
	Preferred shares			35			—			—			—			—			—			35
	Other shareholders’ equity (deficit)			(895,292	)		(434,403	)		(412,528	)		5,805,145			225,850			(5,224,534	)		(935,762	)
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	(423,495	)	$	3,095,537		$	16,943,301		$	16,742,951		$	310,164		$	(20,078,788	)	$	16,589,670
	(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
			Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
			and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
			Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
			Guarantors
	ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	81		$	91		$	133,379		$	131,107		$	53,934		$	(131,107	)	$	187,485
Receivables, net of allowance			27			4			229,667			229,298			89,111			(265,893	)		282,214
Deferred income taxes			—			—			92,806			92,806			1,973			(92,806	)		94,779
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			525			—			27,871			27,821			12,923			(30,432	)		38,708
Intercompany receivables			—			6,838			612,341			3,178,865			—			(3,798,044	)		—
Total current assets			633			6,933			1,096,064			3,659,897			157,941			(4,318,282	)		603,186
Satellites and other property and equipment, net			—			—			6,111,636			6,111,636			259,650			(6,127,730	)		6,355,192
Goodwill			—			—			6,780,827			6,780,827			—			(6,780,827	)		6,780,827
Non-amortizable intangible assets			—			—			2,458,100			2,458,100			—			(2,458,100	)		2,458,100
Amortizable intangible assets, net			—			—			651,087			651,087			—			(651,087	)		651,087
Investment in affiliates			(403,878	)		5,085,284			213,001			213,001			10			(5,106,408	)		1,010
Other assets			9,741			84,402			296,410			184,574			20,138			(178,821	)		416,444
Total assets		$	(393,504	)	$	5,176,619		$	17,607,125		$	20,059,122		$	437,739		$	(25,621,255	)	$	17,265,846
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	81,129		$	—		$	168,823		$	168,248		$	24,170		$	(207,453	)	$	234,917
Accrued interest payable			3,840			227,953			135,623			2,288			270			(2,288	)		367,686
Current portion of long-term debt			868			—			32,180			—			24,418			—			57,466
Deferred satellite performance incentives			—			—			20,224			20,224			1,255			(20,224	)		21,479
Other current liabilities			—			—			153,857			146,611			4,257			(147,944	)		156,781
Intercompany payables			504,460			—			—			—			114,719			(619,179	)		—
Total current liabilities			590,297			227,953			510,707			337,371			169,089			(997,088	)		838,329
Long-term debt, net of current portion			328,238			5,307,986			10,186,086			—			24,418			—			15,846,728
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion			—			—			170,684			170,684			1,979			(170,684	)		172,663
Deferred revenue, net of current portion			—			—			845,327			845,327			3,498			(859,991	)		834,161
Deferred income taxes			—			—			266,340			266,340			14,627			(260,634	)		286,673
Accrued retirement benefits			—			—			299,187			299,187			—			(299,187	)		299,187
Other long-term liabilities			—			41,760			243,510			176,193			14,925			(176,193	)		300,195
Shareholders’ equity (deficit):
Common shares			832			669,036			4,322,518			8,773,388			24			(13,764,966	)		832
Other shareholders’ equity (deficit)			(1,312,871	)		(1,070,116	)		762,766			9,190,632			209,179			(9,092,512	)		(1,312,922	)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	(393,504	)	$	5,176,619		$	17,607,125		$	20,059,122		$	437,739		$	(25,621,255	)	$	17,265,846
(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
Revenue		$	—		$	—		$	2,382,169		$	2,382,201		$	663,354		$	(2,824,101	)	$	2,603,623
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)			—			—			266,869			266,869			504,983			(662,952	)		375,769
Selling, general and administrative			62,861			8,167			155,035			152,961			62,469			(153,026	)		288,467
Depreciation and amortization			—			—			705,165			705,165			34,623			(708,386	)		736,567
Losses on derivative financial instruments			—			—			8,064			—			—			—			8,064
Gain on satellite insurance recoveries			—			—			(9,618	)		(9,618	)		—			9,618			(9,618	)
Total operating expenses			62,861			8,167			1,125,515			1,115,377			602,075			(1,514,746	)		1,399,249
Income (loss) from operations			(62,861	)		(8,167	)		1,256,654			1,266,824			61,279			(1,309,355	)		1,204,374
Interest (income) expense, net			40,916			438,052			636,774			(10,042	)		(1,545	)		10,042			1,114,197
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			(24,185	)		(341,351	)		(2,553	)		—			—			—			(368,089	)
Subsidiary income (loss)			(85,180	)		728,465			70,409			70,409			—			(784,103	)		—
Other income (expense), net			(7	)		—			577			42,772			(5,488	)		(42,772	)		(4,918	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			(213,149	)		(59,105	)		688,313			1,390,047			57,336			(2,146,272	)		(282,830	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes			—			—			(40,152	)		(38,819	)		9,315			38,819			(30,837	)
Net income (loss)			(213,149	)		(59,105	)		728,465			1,428,866			48,021			(2,185,091	)		(251,993	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			(3,687	)		—			(3,687	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.		$	(213,149	)	$	(59,105	)	$	728,465		$	1,428,866		$	44,334		$	(2,185,091	)	$	(255,680	)
(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
Revenue			—			—		$	2,318,470		$	2,318,479		$	732,274		$	(2,759,071	)	$	2,610,152
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)			—			—			271,230			291,757			585,263			(732,350	)		415,900
Selling, general and administrative			4,247			25,264			124,695			123,465			49,819			(123,465	)		204,025
Depreciation and amortization			—			—			726,224			709,120			40,061			(710,502	)		764,903
Losses on derivative financial instruments			—			—			37,963			—			1,972			—			39,935
Total operating expenses			4,247			25,264			1,160,112			1,124,342			677,115			(1,566,317	)		1,424,763
Income (loss) from operations			(4,247	)		(25,264	)		1,158,358			1,194,137			55,159			(1,192,754	)		1,185,389
Interest (income) expense, net			67,377			610,771			581,687			(223,283	)		11,013			223,283			1,270,848
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			—			—			(67,709	)		—			(5,833	)		—			(73,542	)
Subsidiary income (loss)			(58,552	)		587,519			25,510			25,510			—			(579,987	)		—
Other income (expense), net			(13	)		(1	)		18,944			18,951			(6,724	)		(41,285	)		(10,128	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			(130,189	)		(48,517	)		553,416			1,461,881			31,589			(2,037,309	)		(169,129	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes			—			—			(34,103	)		(34,103	)		14,475			34,100			(19,631	)
Net income (loss)			(130,189	)		(48,517	)		587,519			1,495,984			17,114			(2,071,409	)		(149,498	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			(1,639	)		—			(1,639	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.		$	(130,189	)	$	(48,517	)	$	587,519		$	1,495,984		$	15,475		$	(2,071,409	)	$	(151,137	)
(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-Guarantor			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Subsidiaries			and
		Parent									Guarantors						Eliminations
		Guarantors
Revenue		$	5,221			—		$	2,292,284		$	2,292,289		$	695,652		$	(2,697,020	)	$	2,588,426
Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)			—			—			262,753			262,753			559,142			(667,469	)		417,179
Selling, general and administrative			5,883			25,302			128,301			127,351			48,908			(127,364	)		208,381
Depreciation and amortization			—			—			737,413			737,413			32,657			(738,043	)		769,440
(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments			—			—			19,804			(4,461	)		4,831			4,461			24,635
Total operating expenses			5,883			25,302			1,148,271			1,123,056			645,538			(1,528,415	)		1,419,635
Income (loss) from operations			(662	)		(25,302	)		1,144,013			1,169,233			50,114			(1,168,605	)		1,168,791
Interest expense, net			73,994			612,560			613,080			19,106			10,929			(19,106	)		1,310,563
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			(78,960	)		—			(247,223	)		(218,260	)		—			218,260			(326,183	)
Subsidiary income (loss)			(280,453	)		370,051			57,280			57,280			—			(204,158	)		—
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates			—			—			(24,658	)		(24,658	)		—			24,658			(24,658	)
Other income (expense), net			10			(1	)		(14,404	)		(14,404	)		17,125			13,629			1,955
Income (loss) before income taxes			(434,059	)		(267,812	)		301,928			950,085			56,310			(1,097,110	)		(490,658	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes			—			—			(68,123	)		(68,123	)		12,777			68,076			(55,393	)
Net income (loss)			(434,059	)		(267,812	)		370,051			1,018,208			43,533			(1,165,186	)		(435,265	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			1,106			—			1,106
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.		$	(434,059	)	$	(267,812	)	$	370,051		$	1,018,208		$	44,639		$	(1,165,186	)	$	(434,159	)
(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:		$	(108,561	)	$	(622,489	)	$	1,406,174		$	1,785,702		$	41,767		$	(1,785,701	)	$	716,892
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)			—			—			(591,762	)		(591,762	)		(9,030	)		591,762			(600,792	)
Proceeds from insurance settlements			—			—			487,930			487,930			—			(487,930	)		487,930
Payment on satellite performance incentives from insurance proceeds			—			—			(19,199	)		(19,199	)		—			19,199			(19,199	)
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans			(23,644	)		—			(2,223,001	)		(593,753	)		3,493			2,836,905			—
Investment in subsidiaries			(11,436	)		(17,248	)		(324	)		(324	)		—			29,332			—
Dividend from affiliates			20,181			524,812			9,811			9,811			—			(564,615	)		—
Other investing activities			—			—			(2,000	)		(2,000	)		—			2,000			(2,000	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(14,899	)		507,564			(2,338,545	)		(709,297	)		(5,537	)		2,426,653			(134,061	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			(353,550	)		(5,307,986	)		(1,218,208	)		—			(24,418	)		—			(6,904,162	)
Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders			(868	)		—			—			—			—			—			(868	)
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt			(9,395	)		(301,762	)		(67	)		—			—			—			(311,224	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			—			3,500,000			2,754,688			—			—			—			6,254,688
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing			(52,391	)		2,289,335			20,151			(44,111	)		(13,943	)		(2,199,041	)		—
Debt issuance costs			—			(44,433	)		(40,412	)		—			—			—			(84,845	)
Proceeds from initial public offering			572,500			—			—			—			—			—			572,500
Stock issuance costs			(26,683	)		—			—			—			—			—			(26,683	)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders			(5,235	)		—			—			—			—			—			(5,235	)
Capital contribution from parent			—			—			17,248			45,062			11,760			(74,070	)		—
Dividends to shareholders			—			(20,181	)		(524,812	)		(1,024,160	)		(9,811	)		1,578,964			—
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives			—			—			(16,509	)		(16,509	)		(993	)		16,508			(17,503	)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			12,209			—			12,209
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			(8,671	)		—			(8,671	)
Other financing activities			2,800			—			471			471			—			(471	)		3,271
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			127,178			114,973			992,550			(1,039,247	)		(33,867	)		(678,110	)		(516,523	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(7	)		—			(468	)		(465	)		(5,528	)		465			(6,003	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			3,711			48			59,711			36,693			(3,165	)		(36,693	)		60,305
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			81			91			133,379			131,107			53,934			(131,107	)		187,485
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	3,792		$	139		$	193,090		$	167,800		$	50,769		$	(167,800	)	$	247,790
(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:		$	(40,535	)	$	(626,653	)	$	1,320,065		$	1,379,396		$	168,433		$	(1,379,396	)	$	821,310
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)			—			—			(857,311	)		(857,311	)		(8,705	)		857,311			(866,016	)
Proceeds from sale of building, net of fees			—			—			82,415			82,415			—			(82,415	)		82,415
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans			—			—			10,435			(221,460	)		—			211,025			—
Investment in subsidiaries			(5,549	)		—			208			208			—			5,133			—
Dividend from affiliates			32,481			658,318			17,423			17,423			—			(725,645	)		—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			26,932			658,318			(746,830	)		(978,725	)		(8,705	)		265,409			(783,601	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			—			—			(2,364,508	)		—			(110,303	)		—			(2,474,811	)
Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders			(1,683	)		—			—			—			—			—			(1,683	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			—			—			2,451,521			—			—			—			2,451,521
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing			12,845			—			—			—			(23,280	)		10,435			—
Debt issuance costs			—			—			(27,384	)		—			—			—			(27,384	)
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt			—			—			(65,920	)		—			—			—			(65,920	)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			12,209			—			12,209
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			(8,838	)		—			(8,838	)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives			—			—			(14,833	)		(14,833	)		(1,136	)		14,833			(15,969	)
Capital contribution from parent			—			—			—			57,657			5,341			(62,998	)		—
Dividends to shareholders			—			(32,481	)		(658,318	)		(549,712	)		(17,423	)		1,257,934			—
Repurchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest			—			—			—			—			(8,744	)		—			(8,744	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			11,162			(32,481	)		(679,442	)		(506,888	)		(152,174	)		1,220,204			(139,619	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(13	)		(1	)		(589	)		(582	)		(6,726	)		582			(7,329	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			(2,454	)		(817	)		(106,796	)		(106,799	)		828			106,799			(109,239	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			2,535			908			240,175			237,906			53,106			(237,906	)		296,724
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	81		$	91		$	133,379		$	131,107		$	53,934		$	(131,107	)	$	187,485
(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(in thousands)
		Intelsat			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		S.A. and			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Other									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Parent
		Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:		$	(45,232	)	$	(557,340	)	$	1,502,656		$	1,843,165		$	18,127		$	(1,845,479	)	$	915,897
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)			—			—			(792,220	)		(792,220	)		(54,782	)		794,534			(844,688	)
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans			—			—			7,579			(151,313	)		787			142,947			—
Capital contributions to previously unconsolidated affiliates			—			—			(12,209	)		(12,209	)		—			12,209			(12,209	)
Investment in subsidiaries			(3,550	)		—			(6,671	)		(6,671	)		—			16,892			—
Dividend from affiliates			564,334			1,112,567			24,730			24,730			—			(1,726,361	)		—
Other investing activities			—			—			15,518			15,518			948			(15,518	)		16,466
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			560,784			1,112,567			(763,273	)		(922,165	)		(53,047	)		(775,297	)		(840,431	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			(485,841	)		—			(5,845,303	)		(5,289,423	)		—			5,289,423			(6,331,144	)
Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders			(3,425	)		—			—			—			—			—			(3,425	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			—			—			6,083,750			—			35,675			—			6,119,425
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing			10,082			—			(787	)		110,940			(17,661	)		(102,574	)		—
Debt issuance costs			—			—			(70,091	)		—			—			—			(70,091	)
Payment of premium on early retirement of debt			(36,770	)		—			(134,277	)		(108,163	)		—			108,163			(171,047	)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives			—			—			(13,482	)		(13,482	)		(629	)		13,482			(14,111	)
Capital contribution from parent			—			—			—			5,061,999			10,221			(5,072,220	)		—
Dividends to shareholders			—			(564,334	)		(1,112,567	)		(911,907	)		(24,730	)		2,613,538			—
Noncontrolling interest in New Dawn			—			—			—			—			1,734			—			1,734
Other financing activities			(10,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			(10,000	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(525,954	)		(564,334	)		(1,092,757	)		(1,150,036	)		4,610			2,849,812			(478,659	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			10			(2	)		(1,923	)		(1,925	)		3,290			1,925			1,375
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			(10,392	)		(9,109	)		(355,297	)		(230,961	)		(27,020	)		230,961			(401,818	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			12,927			10,017			595,472			468,867			80,126			(468,867	)		698,542
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	2,535		$	908		$	240,175		$	237,906		$	53,106		$	(237,906	)	$	296,724

VALUATION_AND_QUALIFYING_ACCOU

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Description	Balance at		Charged to		Deductions			Balance at
		Beginning		Costs and					End of
		of		Expenses					Period
		Period
		(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2011:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	21,748	$	5,129	$	(6,047	)	$	20,830
	Restructuring reserve	$	1,073	$	—	$	(1,073	)	$	—
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	20,830	$	8,911	$	(6,158	)	$	23,583
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	23,583	$	29,599	$	(17,894	)	$	35,288

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Principles of Consolidation	'
	(a)	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Intelsat S.A., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIE”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of two VIEs, as more fully described in Note 10—Investments, and accordingly, we include in our consolidated financial statements the assets and liabilities and results of operations of those entities, even though we may not own a majority voting interest. We use the equity method to account for our investments in entities where we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but do not retain control under either the voting interest model (generally 20% to 50% ownership interest) or the variable interest model. We have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.
Use of Estimates	'
	(b)	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods, and the disclosures of contingent liabilities. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	'
	(c)	Revenue Recognition
	We earn revenue from providing satellite services and managed services to customers. We enter into contracts with customers to provide satellite transponders and transponder capacity and, in certain cases, earth stations and teleport facilities, for periods typically ranging from one year to the life of the satellite. Our revenue recognition policies are as follows:
	Satellite Utilization Charges. We generally recognize revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the related customer contract unless collectability is not reasonably assured. Revenues from occasional use services are recognized as the services are performed. We have certain obligations, including providing spare or substitute capacity if available, in the event of satellite service failure under certain long-term agreements. We generally are not obligated to refund satellite utilization payments previously made.
	Satellite Related Consulting and Technical Services. We recognize revenue from the provision of consulting services as those services are performed. We recognize revenue for consulting services with specific deliverables, such as Transfer Orbit Support Services or training programs, upon the completion of those services.
	Tracking, Telemetry and Commanding (“TT&C”). We earn TT&C services revenue from providing operational services to other satellite owners and from certain customers on our satellites. TT&C agreements entered into in connection with our satellite utilization contracts are typically for the period of the related service agreement. We recognize this revenue ratably over the term of the service agreement.
	In-Orbit Backup Services. We provide back-up transponder capacity that is held on reserve for certain customers on agreed-upon terms. We recognize revenues for in-orbit protection services ratably over the term of the related agreement.
	Revenue Share Arrangements. We recognize revenues under revenue share agreements for satellite-related services either on a gross or net basis in accordance with the principal versus agent considerations topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) or (the “Codification”) which provides guidance and specifies when an entity should report revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent, depending on the nature of the specific contractual relationship.
	Construction Program Management. Construction program management arrangements that extend beyond one year are accounted for in accordance with the Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts topic of the Codification. We generally account for long-term, fixed price, development and production contracts under the percentage of completion method. We measure progress towards contract completion using the cost-to-cost method.
	We may sell these products or services individually or in some combination to our customers. When these products and services are sold together, we account for the multiple elements under FASB ASC Topic 605-25, Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements (“FASB ASC 605-25”). FASB ASC 605-25 provides guidance on accounting for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. We allocate revenue for transactions or collaborations that include multiple elements to each unit of accounting based on each element’s relative selling price, and recognize revenue for each unit of accounting when the applicable revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	(d)	Fair Value Measurements
	We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments using available market information and valuation methodologies. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.
	FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“FASB ASC 820”) defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC 820 requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date. FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis.
	The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels as follows:
		•		Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
		•		Level 2—quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and
		•		Level 3—unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	(e)	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are generally time deposits with banks and money market funds. The carrying amount of these investments approximates market value.
Receivables and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts	'
	(f)	Receivables and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
	We provide satellite services and extend credit to numerous customers in the satellite communication, telecommunications and video markets. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and anticipated losses. We believe we have adequate customer collateral and reserves to cover our exposure. If we determine that the collection of payments is not reasonably assured at the time the respective service is provided, we defer recognition of the revenue until we believe collection is reasonably assured or the payment is received.
Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	'
	(g)	Satellites and Other Property and Equipment
	Satellites and other property and equipment are stated at historical cost, or in the case of certain satellites acquired, the fair value at the date of acquisition. Capitalized costs consist primarily of the costs of satellite construction and launch, including launch insurance and insurance during the period of in-orbit testing, the net present value of performance incentives expected to be payable to the satellite manufacturers (dependent on the continued satisfactory performance of the satellites), costs directly associated with the monitoring and support of satellite construction, and interest costs incurred during the period of satellite construction.
	We depreciate satellites and other property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
			Years
	Buildings and improvements		10 - 40
	Satellites and related costs		17-Nov
	Ground segment equipment and software		15-Apr
	Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware		12-Apr
	Leasehold improvements (1)		12-Feb
	-1	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.
Other Assets	'
	(h)	Other Assets
	Other assets consist of investments in certain equity securities, unamortized debt issuance costs, long-term deposits, long-term receivables and other miscellaneous deferred charges and long-term assets. Debt issuance costs represent our costs incurred to secure debt financing, which are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related indebtedness.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	(i)	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“FASB ASC 350”). Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and certain other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested on an annual basis for impairment during the fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
	Intangible assets arising from business combinations are initially recorded at fair value. We record other intangible assets at cost. We amortize intangible assets with determinable lives (consisting of backlog, customer relationships, and technologies) based on the expected pattern of consumption. We review these intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	(j)	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including property and equipment and acquired intangible assets with estimable useful lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. These indicators of impairment can include, but are not limited to, the following:
		•		satellite anomalies, such as a partial or full loss of power;
		•		under-performance of an asset compared to expectations; and
		•		shortened useful lives due to changes in the way an asset is used or expected to be used.
	The recoverability of an asset to be held and used is determined by comparing the carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we record an impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, which we determine by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing discounted cash flow techniques.
Income Taxes	'
	(k)	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740—Income Taxes. We are subject to income taxes in the United States as well as a number of other foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in the calculation of our tax provision and the resultant tax liabilities and in the recoverability of our deferred tax assets that arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense and net operating loss and credit carryforwards.
	We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets can be recovered. A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets based in part on the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to realize the deferred tax assets.
	During the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We evaluate our tax positions to determine if it is more likely than not that a tax position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and presuming the taxing authorities have full knowledge of the position and access to all relevant facts and information. When a tax position does not meet the more likely than not standard, we record a liability for the entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefit. Additionally, for those tax positions that are determined more likely than not to be sustainable, we measure the tax position at the largest amount of benefit more likely than not (determined by cumulative probability) to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authority.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	(l)	Foreign Currency Translation
	Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, since substantially all customer contracts, capital expenditure contracts and operating expense obligations are denominated in U.S. dollars. Transactions not denominated in U.S. dollars have been translated using the spot rates of exchange at the dates of the transactions. We recognize differences on exchange arising on the settlement of the transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar in the consolidated statement of operations.
Comprehensive Income	'
	(m)	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income or loss and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income or loss. Such items consist primarily of the change in the market value of available-for-sale securities and pension liability adjustments.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	(n)	Share-Based Compensation
	Compensation cost is recognized based on the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC 718”), for all share-based awards granted.
	Awards are measured at the grant date based on the fair value as calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for share options, a Monte Carlo simulation model for awards with market conditions, or the closing market price at the grant date for awards of shares or restricted shares units. For share-based awards recognized as liability awards prior to the IPO, we recorded compensation cost based on the fair value of such awards. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period, based on attainment of certain vesting requirements.
	The determination of the value of certain awards requires considerable judgment, including estimating expected volatility, expected term and risk-free rate. The Company’s expected volatility is based on the average volatility rates of similar actively-traded companies over the range of each award’s estimated expected term, which is based on the midpoint between the expected vesting time and the remaining contractual life. The risk-free rate is derived from the applicable Constant Maturity Treasury rate.
	Prior to the IPO, we estimated the fair market value of our equity at each reporting period in order to properly record stock compensation expense. We estimated the fair market value using a combination of the income and market approaches, and allocated a 50% weighting to each approach. The income approach quantifies the future cash flows that we expect to achieve consistent with our annual business plan and forecasting processes. These future cash flows are discounted to their net present values using an estimated rate corresponding to a weighted average cost of capital. Our forecasted cash flows are subject to uncontrollable and unforeseen events that could positively or negatively impact economic and business conditions. The estimated weighted average cost of capital includes assumptions and estimates based upon interest rates, expected rates of return, and other risk factors that consider both historic data and expected future returns for comparable investments.
	The market approach estimates fair value by applying trading multiples of enterprise value to EBITDA based on observed publicly traded comparable companies.
Deferred Satellite Performance Incentives	'
	(o)	Deferred Satellite Performance Incentives
	The cost of satellite construction may include an element of deferred consideration that we are obligated to pay to satellite manufacturers over the lives of the satellites, provided the satellites continue to operate in accordance with contractual specifications. Historically, the satellite manufacturers have earned substantially all of these payments. Therefore, we account for these payments as deferred financing. We capitalize the present value of these payments as part of the cost of the satellites and record a corresponding liability to the satellite manufacturers. Interest expense is recognized on the deferred financing and the liability is reduced as the payments are made.
Derivative Instruments	'
	(p)	Derivative Instruments
	We hold interest rate swaps, each of which were undesignated as of December 31, 2013. The swaps are marked-to-market quarterly with any change in fair value recorded as gains or losses on derivative financial instruments in our consolidated statements of operations.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary	'
	(q)	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary
	On October 5, 2012, we purchased from Convergence SPV Ltd (“Convergence Partners”) the remaining ownership interest in our New Dawn joint venture for $8.7 million, increasing our ownership from 74.9% to 100% (the “New Dawn Equity Purchase”). Prior to October 5, 2012, New Dawn was a majority owned subsidiary that was a joint venture investment with Convergence Partners. Convergence Partners had the ability to require us to buy its ownership interest at fair value subsequent to the operations of New Dawn’s assets for a period of time defined in the New Dawn Project Agreement. In accordance with the guidance provided in FASB ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“FASB ASC 480”), regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities, we marked to market the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in New Dawn at each reporting period. Any changes in fair value were reflected as an adjustment to paid-in capital. As a result of the New Dawn Equity Purchase, we eliminated the redeemable noncontrolling interest of $8.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 in accordance with FASB ASC 480.
Reclassifications	'
	(r)	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations, cash flows or retained earnings.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	(s)	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, entities are required to disclose the effect of reclassification of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The majority of our other comprehensive loss and our accumulated other comprehensive loss is related to our defined benefit retirement plans. Beginning in 2013, we have disclosed in Note 7—Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated comprehensive income on line items in our consolidated statement of operations.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Beginning in the first quarter of 2014, entities are required to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except under certain scenarios. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Estimated Useful Lives of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment	'
	We depreciate satellites and other property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
			Years
	Buildings and improvements		10 - 40
	Satellites and related costs		17-Nov
	Ground segment equipment and software		15-Apr
	Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware		12-Apr
	Leasehold improvements (1)		12-Feb
	-1	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.

Net_Loss_per_Share_Tables

Net Loss per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Loss Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
		(in thousands, except per share data or where
		otherwise noted)
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(435,265	)	$	(149,498	)	$	(251,993	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,106			(1,639	)		(3,687	)
	Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.		(434,159	)		(151,137	)		(255,680	)
	Less: Preferred Shares dividends declared		—			—			(10,196	)
	Net loss attributable to common shareholders	$	(434,159	)	$	(151,137	)	$	(265,876	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions)		83			83			98.5
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$	(5.23	)	$	(1.82	)	$	(2.70	)

ShareBased_and_Other_Compensat1

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Options	'
Stock Option Activity	'
	Stock Option activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Stock			Average		Average		intrinsic
			Options			Exercise		remaining		value (in
			(in			price		contractual		millions)
			thousands)					term (in
								years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			2,799		$	14.62
	Granted (a)			925			24.36
	Exercised			(380	)		6.4
	Cancelled (b)			(1,766	)		18
	Forfeited			(9	)		27
	Expired			(1	)		27
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,568		$	18.48		5.6	$	9.3
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,144		$	15.22		4.3	$	9.2
	(a)	Includes 0.4 million options granted to certain employees at a weighted average exercise price of $21.25 per option, which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.
	(b)	In connection with the IPO, the unvested portion of certain options based on performance were cancelled and forfeited and new grants of time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”) and options were awarded.
Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member]	'
Stock Option Activity	'
	Anti-Dilution Option activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Anti-			Average		Average		intrinsic
			Dilution			Exercise		remaining		value (in
			Options (in			price		contractual		millions)
			thousands)					term (in
								years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			—		$	—
	Granted			2,423			18
	Exercised			(20	)		18
	Forfeited			—			—
	Expired			—			—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,403		$	18		3.6	$	10.9
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			2,403		$	18		3.6	$	10.9
Time Based Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member]	'
Restricted Award Activity	'
	Time-based RSUs activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Time-based			Average		Average		intrinsic
			RSUs			grant date		remaining		value
			(in thousands)			fair value		contractual		(in millions)
								term
								(in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			—		$	—
	Granted (a)			964			20.13
	Vested			(123	)		20
	Forfeited			(24	)		20.1
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			817		$	20.15		1.8	$	18.4
	(a)	Includes time-based RSUs granted in consideration of the cancellation and forfeiture of certain unvested performance options under the 2008 Equity Plan, as discussed above.
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Rsu [Member]	'
Restricted Award Activity	'
	Performance-based RSUs activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Performance-			Average		Average		intrinsic
			based RSUs			grant date		remaining		value
			(in thousands)			fair value		contractual		(in millions)
								term
								(in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			—		$	—
	Granted			566			21.96
	Vested			—			—
	Forfeited			(16	)		21.96
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			550		$	21.96		2.2	$	12.4
Restricted Shares	'
Restricted Award Activity	'
	Restricted Shares activity during 2013 was as follows:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			Restricted			Average		Average		intrinsic
			Shares (in			grant		remaining		value (in
			thousands)			date fair		contractual		millions)
						value		term (in
								years)
	Non-vested at January 1, 2013			8		$	151.32
	Granted (a)			177			18
	Vested			(184	)		23.94
	Forfeited			(1	)		18
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013			—		$	—		—	$	—
	(a)	Includes 0.1 million shares granted to certain employees which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables present assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands), excluding long-term debt (see Note 12—Long-Term Debt). We did not have transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the year ended December 31, 2013.
					Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Description		As of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other
			December 31,		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs
			2012		Identical Assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Marketable securities(1)		$	5,613	$	5,613	$	—
	Total assets		$	5,613	$	5,613	$	—
	Liabilities
	Undesignated interest rate swaps(2)		$	74,564	$	—	$	74,564
	Total liabilities		$	74,564	$	—	$	74,564
					Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
	Description		As of		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other
			December 31,		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs
			2013		Identical Assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets
	Marketable securities(1)		$	6,036	$	6,036	$	—
	Total assets		$	6,036	$	6,036	$	—
	Liabilities
	Undesignated interest rate swaps(2)		$	48,819	$	—	$	48,819
	Total liabilities		$	48,819	$	—	$	48,819
	-1	The valuation measurement inputs of these marketable securities represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and, accordingly, we have classified such investments within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The cost basis of our available-for-sale marketable securities was $5.5 million at December 31, 2012 and $5.3 million at December 31, 2013. We sold marketable securities with a cost basis of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 and recorded a gain on the sale of $0.5 million, which was included within other expense, net in our consolidated statement of operations.
	-2	The fair value of our interest rate financial derivative instruments reflects the estimated amounts that we would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates, the market expectation for future interest rates and current creditworthiness of both the counterparties and ourselves. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments, if any, associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as the estimates of the current credit spread, to evaluate the likelihood of default by us or our counterparties. We also considered the existence of offset provisions and other credit enhancements that serve to reduce the credit exposure associated with the asset or liability being valued. We have assessed the significance of the inputs of the credit valuation adjustments to the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret1

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassifications, Net of Tax	'
	The following table presents these reclassifications, net of tax, as well as the reclassification of the realized gain on investments, and the statement of operations line items that are impacted (in thousands):
			Year Ended
			December 31, 2013
	Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in:
	Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)		$	(63	)
	Selling, general and administrative			(44	)
	Total			(107	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs included in:
	Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)			7,302
	Selling, general and administrative			5,018
	Total			12,320
	Realized loss on investments included in:
	Other expense, net			123
	Total		$	123
Reconciliation of Funded Status and Accumulated Benefit Obligation	'
	The following summarizes the projected benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the defined benefit retirement plan, as well as the projected benefit obligations of the postretirement medical benefits provided under our medical plan (in thousands, except percentages):
			Year Ended						Year Ended
			December 31, 2012						December 31, 2013
						Other						Other
												Post-
						Post-
			Pension			retirement			Pension			retirement
			Benefits			Benefits			Benefits			Benefits
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period		$	436,102		$	110,737		$	473,975		$	107,704
	Service cost			3,211			354			3,318			293
	Interest cost			19,061			4,959			18,244			4,295
	Employee contributions			—			365			—			443
	Benefits paid			(21,668	)		(3,873	)		(21,294	)		(3,853	)
	Plan amendments			—			—			—			797
	Actuarial (gain) loss			37,269			(4,838	)		(46,334	)		(14,364	)
	Benefit obligation at end of period		$	473,975		$	107,704		$	427,909		$	95,315
	Change in plan assets
	Plan assets at beginning of period		$	236,793		$	—		$	278,384		$	—
	Employer contributions			30,110			3,508			31,989			3,410
	Employee contributions			—			365			—			443
	Actual return on plan assets			33,149			—			33,097			—
	Benefits paid			(21,668	)		(3,873	)		(21,294	)		(3,853	)
	Plan assets at fair value at end of period		$	278,384		$	—		$	322,176		$	—
	Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans		$	(195,591	)	$	(107,704	)	$	(105,733	)	$	(95,315	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	462,995					$	418,710
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs
	Discount rate			3.98	%		4.04	%		4.83	%		4.9	%
	Salary rate			3.25	%		—			3.25	%		—
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs
	Discount rate			4.51	%		4.57	%		3.98	%		4.04	%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets			8	%		—			7.8	%		—
	Rate of compensation increase			3.25	%		—			3.25	%		—
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost
	Actuarial loss, net of tax		$	4,729		$	449		$	12,094		$	226
	Prior service credits, net of tax		$	(110	)	$	—		$	(107	)	$	—
	Total		$	4,619		$	449		$	11,987		$	226
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost
	Actuarial loss, net of tax		$	110,389		$	10,160		$	62,234		$	923
	Prior service credits, net of tax			(607	)		—			(500	)		—
	Total		$	109,782		$	10,160		$	61,734		$	923
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year
	Actuarial loss		$	(19,423	)	$	(362	)	$	(10,319	)	$	—
	Prior service credits			172			—			172			—
	Total		$	(19,251	)	$	(362	)	$	(10,147	)	$	—
Benefits Expected to be Paid Next Five Years	'
	The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
			Pension			Other Post-retirement
			Benefits			Benefits
	2014		$	31,626		$	4,421
	2015			27,053			4,813
	2016			28,372			5,195
	2017			28,768			5,567
	2018			28,366			5,918
	2019 to 2023			149,655			33,495
	Total		$	293,840		$	59,409
Target and Actual Asset Allocation [Member]	'
Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	'
	The target and actual asset allocation of our pension plan assets were as follows:
			As of December 31, 2012						As of December 31, 2013
			Target			Actual			Target			Actual
			Allocation			Allocation			Allocation			Allocation
	Asset Category
	Equity securities			38	%		39	%		47	%		50	%
	Debt securities			47	%		46	%		38	%		36	%
	Other securities			15	%		15	%		15	%		14	%
	Total			100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
Fair Value Of Pension Plan Assets [Member]	'
Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	'
	The fair values of our pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands):
			Fair Value			Fair Value
			Measurements at			Measurements at
			December 31, 2012			December 31, 2013
			Quoted Prices in			Quoted Prices in
			Active Markets for			Active Markets for
			Identical Assets			Identical Assets
			(Level 1)			(Level 1)
	Asset Category
	Equity Securities
	U.S. Large-Cap (1)		$	53,874		$	83,116
	U.S. Small/Mid-Cap (2)			15,676			24,857
	World Equity Ex-US (3)			38,098			53,367
	Fixed Income Securities
	Long Duration Bonds (4)			82,416			—
	Short Duration Bonds (5)			—			61,388
	High Yield Bonds (6)			10,889			14,282
	Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) (7)			8,024			9,633
	Core Fixed Income (8)			27,492			29,844
	Other Securities
	Hedge Funds (9)			28,006			29,766
	Core Property Fund (10)			13,909			15,747
	Income earned but not yet received			—			176
	Total		$	278,384		$	322,176
	-1	US large cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the S&P 500 Index, as well as other equity securities and derivative instruments whose value is derived from the performance of the S&P 500.
	-2	US small/mid cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the Russell 2500 Index.
	-3	World equity ex-US fund invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities whose issuers comprise a broad range of capitalizations and are located outside of the U.S. The fund invests primarily in developed countries but may also invest in emerging markets.
	-4	Long duration bond fund seeks to duplicate the return characteristics of high quality corporate bonds with a duration range of 10-13 years. The fund’s investment strategy is designed to aid corporate pension plans with asset and liability management in order to reduce funding status volatility caused by changes in interest rates.
	-5	Short duration bond fund includes the Ultra Short Duration Bond fund and Opportunistic Income fund. The Ultra Short Duration Bond invests at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade U.S. dollar denominated debt instruments. While the funds may invest in securities with any maturity or duration, the funds will maintain a portfolio duration range of 18 months or less under normal market conditions. The Opportunistic Income fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade and non-investment grade fixed-income securities. There are no restrictions on the maturity of any individual securities or on the fund’s average portfolio maturity, although the average portfolio duration will typically vary between 0-24 months.
	-6	High yield bond fund seeks to maximize return by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of higher yielding, lower rated fixed income securities. The fund will invest primarily in securities rated below investment grade, including corporate bonds, convertible and preferred securities and zero coupon obligations.
	-7	Emerging markets debt fund seeks to maximize return investing in fixed income securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund will invest primarily in U.S. dollar denominated debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of such issuers.
	-8	Core fixed income fund invests in fixed-income funds which seek to provide current income consistent with the preservation of capital.
	-9	Hedge funds seek to provide returns that are different from (less correlated with) investments in more traditional asset classes. The funds will pursue their investment objectives by investing substantially all of their assets in various hedge funds.
	-10	Core property fund is a fund of funds that invests in direct commercial property funds primarily in the U.S. The fund is meant to provide current income-oriented returns, diversification, and modest inflation protection to an overall investment portfolio. Total returns are expected to be somewhere between stocks and bonds, with moderate volatility and low correlation to public markets.
Defined pension benefit plans [Member]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	Net periodic pension benefit costs included the following components (in thousands):
			Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			2011			2012			2013
	Service cost		$	3,102		$	3,211		$	3,318
	Interest cost			20,058			19,061			18,244
	Expected return on plan assets			(19,729	)		(20,562	)		(21,263	)
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits			(172	)		(172	)		(172	)
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss			6,862			13,990			19,423
	Total benefit		$	10,121		$	15,528		$	19,550
Other postretirement benefit plans [Member]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	Net periodic other postretirement benefit costs included the following components (in thousands):
			Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
			2011			2012			2013
	Service cost		$	452		$	354		$	293
	Interest cost			5,069			4,959			4,295
	Plan amendment			—			—			797
	Amortization of unrecognized net loss			—			687			362
	Total costs		$	5,521		$	6,000		$	5,747

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Receivables	'
	Receivables were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2012			2013
	Service charges:
	Billed	$	276,637		$	247,655
	Unbilled		9,840			8,260
	Other		19,320			15,720
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(23,583	)		(35,288	)
	Total	$	282,214		$	236,347

Satellites_and_Other_Property_1

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment, Net	'
	Satellites and other property and equipment, net were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2012			2013
	Satellites and launch vehicles	$	8,700,926		$	8,628,596
	Information systems and ground segment		524,285			559,250
	Buildings and other		195,672			203,839
	Total cost		9,420,883			9,391,685
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(3,065,691	)		(3,586,145	)
	Total	$	6,355,192		$	5,805,540

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in Equity Attributable to Intelsat and Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	'
	The following tables present changes in equity attributable to the Company and equity attributable to our noncontrolling interests, which is included in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):
		Intelsat S.A.			Noncontrolling			Total Shareholders’
		Shareholders’			Interest			Deficit
		Deficit
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	(1,198,885	)	$	50,926		$	(1,147,959	)
	Net income (loss)		(151,137	)		3,582			(147,555	)
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			(8,838	)		(8,838	)
	Mark to market adjustment for redeemable noncontrolling interest		(7,663	)		—			(7,663	)
	Vesting of equity awards of certain executive officers		6,825			—			6,825
	Postretirement/pension liability adjustment		(7,288	)		—			(7,288	)
	Other comprehensive income		388			—			388
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(1,357,760	)	$	45,670		$	(1,312,090	)
		Intelsat S.A.			Noncontrolling			Total Shareholders’
		Shareholders’			Interest			Deficit
		Deficit
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(1,357,760	)	$	45,670		$	(1,312,090	)
	Net income (loss)		(255,680	)		3,687			(251,993	)
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		—			(8,671	)		(8,671	)
	Initial public offering, net of costs		542,796			—			542,796
	Change in classification of certain equity awards		18,899			—			18,899
	Share-based compensation		28,553			—			28,553
	Declaration of preferred stock dividend		(10,196	)		—			(10,196	)
	Postretirement/pension liability adjustment		57,283			—			57,283
	Other comprehensive income		752			—			752
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(975,353	)	$	40,686		$	(934,667	)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization	'
	The carrying amounts of goodwill and acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):
		As of		As of
		December 31,		December 31,
		2012		2013
	Goodwill	$	6,780,827	$	6,780,827
	Orbital locations		2,387,700		2,387,700
	Trade name		70,400		70,400
Schedule of Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	The carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2012							As of December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount					Amount		Amount					Amount
	Backlog and other	$	743,760	$	(520,204	)	$	223,556	$	743,760	$	(575,045	)	$	168,715
	Customer relationships		534,030		(106,499	)		427,531		534,030		(133,970	)		400,060
	Technology		2,700		(2,700	)		—		2,700		(2,700	)		—
	Total	$	1,280,490	$	(629,403	)	$	651,087	$	1,280,490	$	(711,715	)	$	568,775
Scheduled Amortization Charges for Intangible Assets	'
	Scheduled amortization charges for the intangible assets over the next five years are as follows (in thousands):
	Year	Amount
	2014	$	68,231
	2015		60,215
	2016		48,491
	2017		42,254
	2018		38,481

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	'
	The carrying values and fair values of our notes payable and long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2012					As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Intelsat S.A.:
	Notes payable to former employee shareholders	$	739		$	739	$	—		$	—
	Total Intelsat S.A. obligations		739			739		—			—
	Intelsat Investment Holdings S.á r.l.:
	Notes payable to former employee shareholders		129			129		—			—
	Total Intelsat Investment Holdings S.á r.l. obligations		129			129		—			—
	Intelsat Investments S.A.:
	6.5% Senior Notes due November 2013		353,550			367,268		—			—
	Unamortized discount on 6.5% Senior Notes		(25,312	)		—		—			—
	Total Intelsat Investments S.A. obligations		328,238			367,268		—			—
	Intelsat Luxembourg:
	11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017		2,805,000			2,966,288		—			—
	11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017		2,502,986			2,653,165		—			—
	6.75% Senior Notes due June 2018		—			—		500,000			530,000
	7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021		—			—		2,000,000			2,145,000
	8.125% Senior Notes due June 2023		—			—		1,000,000			1,071,300
	Total Intelsat Luxembourg obligations		5,307,986			5,619,453		3,500,000			3,746,300
	Intelsat Jackson:
	8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019		500,000			561,250		500,000			545,650
	Unamortized discount on 8.5% Senior Notes		(3,218	)		—		(2,864	)		—
	7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020		2,200,000			2,392,500		2,200,000			2,409,000
	Unamortized premium on 7.25% Senior Notes		19,745			—		17,799			—
	7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019		1,500,000			1,614,450		1,500,000			1,612,500
	7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021		1,150,000			1,267,875		1,150,000			1,267,875
	6.625% Senior Notes due December 2022		640,000			660,800		1,275,000			1,310,063
	Unamortized premium on 6.625% Senior Notes		—			—		37,918			—
	5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023		—			—		2,000,000			1,890,000
	Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014		195,152			192,713		—			—
	New Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014		810,876			800,740		—			—
	Senior Secured Credit Facilities due June 2019		3,218,000			3,238,595		3,095,000			3,103,666
	Unamortized discount on Senior Credit Facilities		(12,289	)		—		(9,857	)		—
	Total Intelsat Jackson obligations		10,218,266			10,728,923		11,762,996			12,138,754
	Horizons Holdings:
	Loan Payable to JSAT		48,836			48,836		24,418			24,418
	Total Horizons Holdings obligation		48,836			48,836		24,418			24,418
	Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt		15,904,194		$	16,765,348		15,287,414		$	15,909,472
	Less:
	Current portion of long-term debt		57,466					24,418
	Total long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	15,846,728				$	15,262,996
Schedule of Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt	'
	Required principal repayments of long-term debt over the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year	Amount
	2014	$	24,418
	2015		—
	2016		—
	2017		—
	2018		500,000
	2019 and thereafter		14,720,000
	Total principal repayments		15,244,418
	Unamortized discounts and premium		42,996
	Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt	$	15,287,414

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Fair Value of Derivatives by Category	'
	The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives by category (in thousands):
			Liability Derivatives
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Location	December 31,			December 31,
			2012			2013
	Undesignated interest rate swaps	Other current liabilities	$	7,246		$	1,241
	Undesignated interest rate swaps	Other long-term liabilities		67,318			47,578
	Total derivatives		$	74,564		$	48,819
Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	The following table sets forth the effect of the derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
	Derivatives not designated as	Presentation in Statements of Operations	Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
	hedging instruments		December 31,			December 31,		December 31,
			2011			2012		2013
	Undesignated interest rate swaps	Losses on derivative financial instruments	$	28,930		$	39,935	$	8,064
	Put option embedded derivative	Losses on derivative financial instruments		(4,295	)		—		—
	Total losses on derivative financial instruments		$	24,635		$	39,935	$	8,064

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Total Loss Before Income Taxes	'
	The following table summarizes our total loss before income taxes (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Domestic income (loss) before income taxes	$	(567,039	)	$	(627,617	)	$	(356,019	)
	Foreign income (loss) before income taxes		76,381			458,488			73,189
	Total loss before income taxes	$	(490,658	)	$	(169,129	)	$	(282,830	)
Provision for (Benefit From) Income Taxes	'
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Current income tax provision (benefit)
	Domestic	$	1,162		$	1,019		$	856
	Foreign		23,011			41,239			33,654
	Total		24,173			42,258			34,510
	Deferred income tax provision (benefit):
	Domestic		—			—			—
	Foreign		(79,566	)		(61,889	)		(65,347	)
	Total		(79,566	)		(61,889	)		(65,347	)
	Total income tax provision (benefit):	$	(55,393	)	$	(19,631	)	$	(30,837	)
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	'
	The income tax provision (benefit) was different from the amount computed using the Luxembourg statutory income tax rate of 29.22% for the reasons set forth in the following table (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	Expected tax benefit at Luxembourg statutory income tax rate	$	(141,310	)	$	(48,709	)	$	(82,643	)
	Foreign income tax differential		27,626			33,118			35,511
	Nontaxable interest income		(102,758	)		(136,478	)		(93,154	)
	U.S. extraterritorial income exclusion tax benefit		(208	)		(37,597	)		—
	Change in tax rate		716			—			—
	Changes in unrecognized tax benefits		(5,087	)		1,756			(3,997	)
	Changes in valuation allowance		173,930			174,038			171,433
	Tax effect of 2011 Intercompany Sale		(6,272	)		(6,416	)		(6,865	)
	Foreign Tax Credits		—			—			(44,137	)
	Research and Development Tax Credits		—			—			(5,890	)
	Other		(2,030	)		657			(1,095	)
	Total income tax provision	$	(55,393	)	$	(19,631	)	$	(30,837	)
Net Deferred Tax Balances	'
	The following table details the composition of the net deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2012 and 2013 (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2012			2013
	Current deferred taxes, net	$	94,779		$	44,475
	Long-term deferred taxes, net		(286,673	)		(202,638	)
	Other assets		7,957			9,246
	Net deferred taxes	$	(183,937	)	$	(148,917	)
Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability	'
	The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows (in thousands):
		As of			As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2012			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accruals and advances	$	35,801		$	23,959
	Amortizable intangible assets		516,562			188,800
	Non-amortizable intangible assets		30,588			—
	Performance incentives		29,653			26,146
	Customer deposits		50,833			51,318
	Bad debt reserve		4,113			3,436
	Accrued retirement benefits		100,748			67,337
	Interest rate swap		3,562			568
	Satellites and other property and equipment		337,476			44,487
	Disallowed interest expense carryforward		88,192			95,427
	Net operating loss carryforward		1,068,126			1,265,624
	Capital loss carryforward		22,259			—
	Tax credits		20,643			73,916
	Other		60,137			15,675
	Total deferred tax assets		2,368,693			1,856,693
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Satellites and other property and equipment		(64,700	)		(49,077	)
	Amortizable intangible assets		(34,958	)		(44,297	)
	Non-amortizable intangible assets		(267,965	)		(254,384	)
	Tax basis differences in investments and affiliates		(238,859	)		(187,283	)
	Other		(2,783	)		(5,863	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(609,265	)		(540,904	)
	Valuation allowance		(1,943,365	)		(1,464,706	)
	Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(183,937	)	$	(148,917	)
Summary of Activity Related Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
		2012			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	64,767		$	67,015
	Increases related to current year tax positions		3,593			3,477
	Increases related to prior year tax positions		3,580			3,107
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(3,177	)		(6,443	)
	Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes		(1,748	)		(2,045	)
	Balance at December 31	$	67,015		$	65,111

Contractual_Commitments_Tables

Contractual Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Additional Expenditures and Expected Year of Payment	'
	The additional expenditures as of December 31, 2013 and the expected year of payment are as follows (in thousands):
		Satellite		Satellite		Operating		Sublease			Customer and		Total
		Construction		Performance		Leases		Rental			Vendor
		and Launch		Incentive				Income			Contracts
		Obligations		Obligations
	2014	$	405,066	$	37,834	$	8,968	$	(418	)	$	116,799	$	568,249
	2015		445,013		28,880		14,698		(369	)		28,978		517,200
	2016		413,079		26,730		14,870		(299	)		19,421		473,801
	2017		337,509		25,089		13,688		(14	)		3,284		379,556
	2018		214,099		20,899		13,287		(20	)		1,732		249,997
	2019 and thereafter		253,176		124,445		148,158		(210	)		1,092		526,661
	Total contractual commitments	$	2,067,942	$	263,877	$	213,669	$	(1,330	)	$	171,306	$	2,715,464

Business_and_Geographic_Segmen1

Business and Geographic Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Geographic Distribution of Revenue	'
	The geographic distribution of our revenue based upon billing region of the customer was as follows:
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2011			2012			2013
	North America		47	%		46	%		45	%
	Europe		16	%		16	%		16	%
	Africa and Middle East		17	%		16	%		15	%
	Latin America and Caribbean		14	%		15	%		16	%
	Asia Pacific		6	%		7	%		8	%
Schedule of Off-Network and On-Network Revenues	'
	Our revenues were derived from the following services, with Off-Network and Other Revenues shown separately from On-Network Revenues (in thousands, except percentages):
		Year Ended						Year Ended					Year Ended
		December 31, 2011						December 31, 2012					December 31, 2013
	On-Network Revenues
	Transponder services	$	1,907,768			74	%	$	1,950,230		75	%	$	1,988,771	76	%
	Managed services		282,386			11	%		276,024		11	%		298,623	11	%
	Channel		104,981			4	%		91,805		4	%		72,123	3	%
	Total on-network revenues		2,295,135			89	%		2,318,059		89	%		2,359,517	91	%
	Off-Network and Other Revenues
	Transponder, MSS and other off-network services		237,020			9	%		234,143		9	%		194,601	7	%
	Satellite-related services		56,271			2	%		57,950		2	%		49,505	2	%
	Total off-network and other revenues		293,291			11	%		292,093		11	%		244,106	9	%
	Total	$	2,588,426			100	%	$	2,610,152		100	%	$	2,603,623	100	%

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation1

Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations	'
		Quarter Ended
	2012	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	Revenue	$	644,169		$	638,668		$	654,946		$	672,368
	Income from operations		291,275			281,543			300,959			311,611
	Net loss		(25,067	)		(84,328	)		(35,349	)		(4,755	)
	Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.		(25,248	)		(84,710	)		(35,430	)		(5,750	)
	Net loss per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
	Basic	$	(0.30	)	$	(1.02	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.07	)
	Diluted		(0.30	)		(1.02	)		(0.43	)		(0.07	)
		Quarter Ended
	2013	31-Mar			30-Jun			September 30			December 31
	Revenue	$	655,127		$	653,803		$	651,844		$	642,848
	Income from operations		310,049			255,638			308,082			330,604
	Net income (loss)		(6,916	)		(407,266	)		88,574			73,615
	Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.		(7,804	)		(408,305	)		87,798			72,631
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:
	Basic	$	(0.09	)	$	(4.19	)	$	0.83		$	0.69
	Diluted		(0.09	)		(4.19	)		0.75			0.62

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin1

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Intelsat			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		S.A. and			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Other									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Parent
		Guarantors
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,792		$	139		$	193,090		$	167,800		$	50,769		$	(167,800	)	$	247,790
	Receivables, net of allowance		—			—			160,023			159,656			76,324			(159,656	)		236,347
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			46,228			46,228			(1,753	)		(46,228	)		44,475
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,272			—			25,846			25,794			6,738			(26,426	)		33,224
	Intercompany receivables		—			—			421,504			386,820			20,609			(828,933	)		—
	Total current assets		5,064			139			846,691			786,298			152,687			(1,229,043	)		561,836
	Satellites and other property and equipment, net		—			—			5,698,952			5,698,952			147,106			(5,739,470	)		5,805,540
	Goodwill		—			—			6,780,827			6,780,827			—			(6,780,827	)		6,780,827
	Non-amortizable intangible assets		—			—			2,458,100			2,458,100			—			(2,458,100	)		2,458,100
	Amortizable intangible assets, net		—			—			568,775			568,775			—			(568,775	)		568,775
	Investment in affiliates		(428,647	)		3,053,901			227,320			227,320			—			(3,079,894	)		—
	Other assets		88			41,497			362,636			222,679			10,371			(222,679	)		414,592
	Total assets	$	(423,495	)	$	3,095,537		$	16,943,301		$	16,742,951		$	310,164		$	(20,078,788	)	$	16,589,670
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	28,795		$	32		$	132,454		$	130,178		$	22,290		$	(130,810	)	$	182,939
	Accrued interest payable		—			22,500			163,820			2,458			172			(2,458	)		186,492
	Current portion of long-term debt		—			—			—			—			24,418			—			24,418
	Deferred satellite performance incentives		—			—			21,089			21,089			1,614			(21,089	)		22,703
	Other current liabilities		—			—			154,014			152,772			3,011			(152,772	)		157,025
	Intercompany payables		441,907			206			—			—			—			(442,113	)		—
	Total current liabilities		470,702			22,738			471,377			306,497			51,505			(749,242	)		573,577
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		—			3,500,000			11,762,996			—			—			—			15,262,996
	Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion		—			—			153,023			153,023			881			(153,023	)		153,904
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion		—			—			887,446			887,446			793			(887,446	)		888,239
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			191,298			191,298			11,388			(191,346	)		202,638
	Accrued retirement benefits		—			—			196,657			196,657			199			(196,657	)		196,856
	Other long-term liabilities		—			—			226,603			179,025			19,524			(179,025	)		246,127
	Shareholders’ equity (deficit):
	Common shares		1,060			7,202			3,466,429			9,023,860			24			(12,497,515	)		1,060
	Preferred shares		35			—			—			—			—			—			35
	Other shareholders’ equity (deficit)		(895,292	)		(434,403	)		(412,528	)		5,805,145			225,850			(5,224,534	)		(935,762	)
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	(423,495	)	$	3,095,537		$	16,943,301		$	16,742,951		$	310,164		$	(20,078,788	)	$	16,589,670
	(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	81		$	91		$	133,379		$	131,107		$	53,934		$	(131,107	)	$	187,485
	Receivables, net of allowance		27			4			229,667			229,298			89,111			(265,893	)		282,214
	Deferred income taxes		—			—			92,806			92,806			1,973			(92,806	)		94,779
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		525			—			27,871			27,821			12,923			(30,432	)		38,708
	Intercompany receivables		—			6,838			612,341			3,178,865			—			(3,798,044	)		—
	Total current assets		633			6,933			1,096,064			3,659,897			157,941			(4,318,282	)		603,186
	Satellites and other property and equipment, net		—			—			6,111,636			6,111,636			259,650			(6,127,730	)		6,355,192
	Goodwill		—			—			6,780,827			6,780,827			—			(6,780,827	)		6,780,827
Non-amortizable intangible assets		—			—			2,458,100			2,458,100			—			(2,458,100	)		2,458,100
Amortizable intangible assets, net		—			—			651,087			651,087			—			(651,087	)		651,087
Investment in affiliates		(403,878	)		5,085,284			213,001			213,001			10			(5,106,408	)		1,010
Other assets		9,741			84,402			296,410			184,574			20,138			(178,821	)		416,444
Total assets	$	(393,504	)	$	5,176,619		$	17,607,125		$	20,059,122		$	437,739		$	(25,621,255	)	$	17,265,846
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	81,129		$	—		$	168,823		$	168,248		$	24,170		$	(207,453	)	$	234,917
Accrued interest payable		3,840			227,953			135,623			2,288			270			(2,288	)		367,686
Current portion of long-term debt		868			—			32,180			—			24,418			—			57,466
Deferred satellite performance incentives		—			—			20,224			20,224			1,255			(20,224	)		21,479
Other current liabilities		—			—			153,857			146,611			4,257			(147,944	)		156,781
Intercompany payables		504,460			—			—			—			114,719			(619,179	)		—
Total current liabilities		590,297			227,953			510,707			337,371			169,089			(997,088	)		838,329
Long-term debt, net of current portion		328,238			5,307,986			10,186,086			—			24,418			—			15,846,728
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion		—			—			170,684			170,684			1,979			(170,684	)		172,663
Deferred revenue, net of current portion		—			—			845,327			845,327			3,498			(859,991	)		834,161
Deferred income taxes		—			—			266,340			266,340			14,627			(260,634	)		286,673
Accrued retirement benefits		—			—			299,187			299,187			—			(299,187	)		299,187
Other long-term liabilities		—			41,760			243,510			176,193			14,925			(176,193	)		300,195
Shareholders’ equity (deficit):
Common shares		832			669,036			4,322,518			8,773,388			24			(13,764,966	)		832
Other shareholders’ equity (deficit)		(1,312,871	)		(1,070,116	)		762,766			9,190,632			209,179			(9,092,512	)		(1,312,922	)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	(393,504	)	$	5,176,619		$	17,607,125		$	20,059,122		$	437,739		$	(25,621,255	)	$	17,265,846
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	'
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
	Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	2,382,169		$	2,382,201		$	663,354		$	(2,824,101	)	$	2,603,623
	Operating expenses:
	Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)		—			—			266,869			266,869			504,983			(662,952	)		375,769
	Selling, general and administrative		62,861			8,167			155,035			152,961			62,469			(153,026	)		288,467
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			705,165			705,165			34,623			(708,386	)		736,567
	Losses on derivative financial instruments		—			—			8,064			—			—			—			8,064
	Gain on satellite insurance recoveries		—			—			(9,618	)		(9,618	)		—			9,618			(9,618	)
	Total operating expenses		62,861			8,167			1,125,515			1,115,377			602,075			(1,514,746	)		1,399,249
	Income (loss) from operations		(62,861	)		(8,167	)		1,256,654			1,266,824			61,279			(1,309,355	)		1,204,374
	Interest (income) expense, net		40,916			438,052			636,774			(10,042	)		(1,545	)		10,042			1,114,197
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt		(24,185	)		(341,351	)		(2,553	)		—			—			—			(368,089	)
	Subsidiary income (loss)		(85,180	)		728,465			70,409			70,409			—			(784,103	)		—
	Other income (expense), net		(7	)		—			577			42,772			(5,488	)		(42,772	)		(4,918	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(213,149	)		(59,105	)		688,313			1,390,047			57,336			(2,146,272	)		(282,830	)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		—			—			(40,152	)		(38,819	)		9,315			38,819			(30,837	)
	Net income (loss)		(213,149	)		(59,105	)		728,465			1,428,866			48,021			(2,185,091	)		(251,993	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			(3,687	)		—			(3,687	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$	(213,149	)	$	(59,105	)	$	728,465		$	1,428,866		$	44,334		$	(2,185,091	)	$	(255,680	)
	(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
	Revenue		—			—		$	2,318,470		$	2,318,479		$	732,274		$	(2,759,071	)	$	2,610,152
	Operating expenses:
	Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)		—			—			271,230			291,757			585,263			(732,350	)		415,900
	Selling, general and administrative		4,247			25,264			124,695			123,465			49,819			(123,465	)		204,025
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			726,224			709,120			40,061			(710,502	)		764,903
	Losses on derivative financial instruments		—			—			37,963			—			1,972			—			39,935
	Total operating expenses		4,247			25,264			1,160,112			1,124,342			677,115			(1,566,317	)		1,424,763
	Income (loss) from operations		(4,247	)		(25,264	)		1,158,358			1,194,137			55,159			(1,192,754	)		1,185,389
	Interest (income) expense, net		67,377			610,771			581,687			(223,283	)		11,013			223,283			1,270,848
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt		—			—			(67,709	)		—			(5,833	)		—			(73,542	)
	Subsidiary income (loss)		(58,552	)		587,519			25,510			25,510			—			(579,987	)		—
	Other income (expense), net		(13	)		(1	)		18,944			18,951			(6,724	)		(41,285	)		(10,128	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(130,189	)		(48,517	)		553,416			1,461,881			31,589			(2,037,309	)		(169,129	)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		—			—			(34,103	)		(34,103	)		14,475			34,100			(19,631	)
	Net income (loss)		(130,189	)		(48,517	)		587,519			1,495,984			17,114			(2,071,409	)		(149,498	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			(1,639	)		—			(1,639	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$	(130,189	)	$	(48,517	)	$	587,519		$	1,495,984		$	15,475		$	(2,071,409	)	$	(151,137	)
	(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-Guarantor			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Subsidiaries			and
		Parent									Guarantors						Eliminations
		Guarantors
	Revenue	$	5,221			—		$	2,292,284		$	2,292,289		$	695,652		$	(2,697,020	)	$	2,588,426
	Operating expenses:
Direct costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)		—			—			262,753			262,753			559,142			(667,469	)		417,179
Selling, general and administrative		5,883			25,302			128,301			127,351			48,908			(127,364	)		208,381
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			737,413			737,413			32,657			(738,043	)		769,440
(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments		—			—			19,804			(4,461	)		4,831			4,461			24,635
Total operating expenses		5,883			25,302			1,148,271			1,123,056			645,538			(1,528,415	)		1,419,635
Income (loss) from operations		(662	)		(25,302	)		1,144,013			1,169,233			50,114			(1,168,605	)		1,168,791
Interest expense, net		73,994			612,560			613,080			19,106			10,929			(19,106	)		1,310,563
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		(78,960	)		—			(247,223	)		(218,260	)		—			218,260			(326,183	)
Subsidiary income (loss)		(280,453	)		370,051			57,280			57,280			—			(204,158	)		—
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(24,658	)		(24,658	)		—			24,658			(24,658	)
Other income (expense), net		10			(1	)		(14,404	)		(14,404	)		17,125			13,629			1,955
Income (loss) before income taxes		(434,059	)		(267,812	)		301,928			950,085			56,310			(1,097,110	)		(490,658	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		—			—			(68,123	)		(68,123	)		12,777			68,076			(55,393	)
Net income (loss)		(434,059	)		(267,812	)		370,051			1,018,208			43,533			(1,165,186	)		(435,265	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			1,106			—			1,106
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat, S.A.	$	(434,059	)	$	(267,812	)	$	370,051		$	1,018,208		$	44,639		$	(1,165,186	)	$	(434,159	)
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
	Cash flows from operating activities:	$	(108,561	)	$	(622,489	)	$	1,406,174		$	1,785,702		$	41,767		$	(1,785,701	)	$	716,892
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)		—			—			(591,762	)		(591,762	)		(9,030	)		591,762			(600,792	)
	Proceeds from insurance settlements		—			—			487,930			487,930			—			(487,930	)		487,930
	Payment on satellite performance incentives from insurance proceeds		—			—			(19,199	)		(19,199	)		—			19,199			(19,199	)
	Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans		(23,644	)		—			(2,223,001	)		(593,753	)		3,493			2,836,905			—
	Investment in subsidiaries		(11,436	)		(17,248	)		(324	)		(324	)		—			29,332			—
	Dividend from affiliates		20,181			524,812			9,811			9,811			—			(564,615	)		—
	Other investing activities		—			—			(2,000	)		(2,000	)		—			2,000			(2,000	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(14,899	)		507,564			(2,338,545	)		(709,297	)		(5,537	)		2,426,653			(134,061	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayments of long-term debt		(353,550	)		(5,307,986	)		(1,218,208	)		—			(24,418	)		—			(6,904,162	)
	Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders		(868	)		—			—			—			—			—			(868	)
	Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt		(9,395	)		(301,762	)		(67	)		—			—			—			(311,224	)
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			3,500,000			2,754,688			—			—			—			6,254,688
	Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing		(52,391	)		2,289,335			20,151			(44,111	)		(13,943	)		(2,199,041	)		—
	Debt issuance costs		—			(44,433	)		(40,412	)		—			—			—			(84,845	)
	Proceeds from initial public offering		572,500			—			—			—			—			—			572,500
	Stock issuance costs		(26,683	)		—			—			—			—			—			(26,683	)
	Dividends paid to preferred shareholders		(5,235	)		—			—			—			—			—			(5,235	)
	Capital contribution from parent		—			—			17,248			45,062			11,760			(74,070	)		—
	Dividends to shareholders		—			(20,181	)		(524,812	)		(1,024,160	)		(9,811	)		1,578,964			—
	Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives		—			—			(16,509	)		(16,509	)		(993	)		16,508			(17,503	)
	Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			12,209			—			12,209
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			(8,671	)		—			(8,671	)
	Other financing activities		2,800			—			471			471			—			(471	)		3,271
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		127,178			114,973			992,550			(1,039,247	)		(33,867	)		(678,110	)		(516,523	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(7	)		—			(468	)		(465	)		(5,528	)		465			(6,003	)
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents		3,711			48			59,711			36,693			(3,165	)		(36,693	)		60,305
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		81			91			133,379			131,107			53,934			(131,107	)		187,485
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	3,792		$	139		$	193,090		$	167,800		$	50,769		$	(167,800	)	$	247,790
	(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
	INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
		Intelsat S.A.			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
		and Other			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
		Parent									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
		Guarantors
	Cash flows from operating activities:	$	(40,535	)	$	(626,653	)	$	1,320,065		$	1,379,396		$	168,433		$	(1,379,396	)	$	821,310
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)		—			—			(857,311	)		(857,311	)		(8,705	)		857,311			(866,016	)
	Proceeds from sale of building, net of fees		—			—			82,415			82,415			—			(82,415	)		82,415
	Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans		—			—			10,435			(221,460	)		—			211,025			—
	Investment in subsidiaries		(5,549	)		—			208			208			—			5,133			—
	Dividend from affiliates		32,481			658,318			17,423			17,423			—			(725,645	)		—
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		26,932			658,318			(746,830	)		(978,725	)		(8,705	)		265,409			(783,601	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayments of long-term debt		—			—			(2,364,508	)		—			(110,303	)		—			(2,474,811	)
	Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders		(1,683	)		—			—			—			—			—			(1,683	)
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			—			2,451,521			—			—			—			2,451,521
	Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing		12,845			—			—			—			(23,280	)		10,435			—
	Debt issuance costs		—			—			(27,384	)		—			—			—			(27,384	)
	Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt		—			—			(65,920	)		—			—			—			(65,920	)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			12,209			—			12,209
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			(8,838	)		—			(8,838	)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives		—			—			(14,833	)		(14,833	)		(1,136	)		14,833			(15,969	)
Capital contribution from parent		—			—			—			57,657			5,341			(62,998	)		—
Dividends to shareholders		—			(32,481	)		(658,318	)		(549,712	)		(17,423	)		1,257,934			—
Repurchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest		—			—			—			—			(8,744	)		—			(8,744	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		11,162			(32,481	)		(679,442	)		(506,888	)		(152,174	)		1,220,204			(139,619	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(13	)		(1	)		(589	)		(582	)		(6,726	)		582			(7,329	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(2,454	)		(817	)		(106,796	)		(106,799	)		828			106,799			(109,239	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		2,535			908			240,175			237,906			53,106			(237,906	)		296,724
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	81		$	91		$	133,379		$	131,107		$	53,934		$	(131,107	)	$	187,485
(Certain totals may not add due to the effects of rounding)
INTELSAT S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
(in thousands)
	Intelsat			Intelsat			Intelsat			Jackson			Non-			Consolidation			Consolidated
	S.A. and			Luxembourg			Jackson			Subsidiary			Guarantor			and
	Other									Guarantors			Subsidiaries			Eliminations
	Parent
	Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:	$	(45,232	)	$	(557,340	)	$	1,502,656		$	1,843,165		$	18,127		$	(1,845,479	)	$	915,897
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)		—			—			(792,220	)		(792,220	)		(54,782	)		794,534			(844,688	)
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans		—			—			7,579			(151,313	)		787			142,947			—
Capital contributions to previously unconsolidated affiliates		—			—			(12,209	)		(12,209	)		—			12,209			(12,209	)
Investment in subsidiaries		(3,550	)		—			(6,671	)		(6,671	)		—			16,892			—
Dividend from affiliates		564,334			1,112,567			24,730			24,730			—			(1,726,361	)		—
Other investing activities		—			—			15,518			15,518			948			(15,518	)		16,466
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		560,784			1,112,567			(763,273	)		(922,165	)		(53,047	)		(775,297	)		(840,431	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt		(485,841	)		—			(5,845,303	)		(5,289,423	)		—			5,289,423			(6,331,144	)
Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders		(3,425	)		—			—			—			—			—			(3,425	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			—			6,083,750			—			35,675			—			6,119,425
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing		10,082			—			(787	)		110,940			(17,661	)		(102,574	)		—
Debt issuance costs		—			—			(70,091	)		—			—			—			(70,091	)
Payment of premium on early retirement of debt		(36,770	)		—			(134,277	)		(108,163	)		—			108,163			(171,047	)
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives		—			—			(13,482	)		(13,482	)		(629	)		13,482			(14,111	)
Capital contribution from parent		—			—			—			5,061,999			10,221			(5,072,220	)		—
Dividends to shareholders		—			(564,334	)		(1,112,567	)		(911,907	)		(24,730	)		2,613,538			—
Noncontrolling interest in New Dawn		—			—			—			—			1,734			—			1,734
Other financing activities		(10,000	)		—			—			—			—			—			(10,000	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(525,954	)		(564,334	)		(1,092,757	)		(1,150,036	)		4,610			2,849,812			(478,659	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		10			(2	)		(1,923	)		(1,925	)		3,290			1,925			1,375
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(10,392	)		(9,109	)		(355,297	)		(230,961	)		(27,020	)		230,961			(401,818	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		12,927			10,017			595,472			468,867			80,126			(468,867	)		698,542
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2,535		$	908		$	240,175		$	237,906		$	53,106		$	(237,906	)	$	296,724

Background_of_Company_Addition

Background of Company - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		Satellite
Background Of Company [Line Items]	'	'
Number of satellites under global communications network	'	50
Gross proceeds from IPO	$572,500,000	$572,500,000
Net proceeds from IPO after underwriting discounts	550,000,000	'
Reclassification of class A shares to common shares, ratio	'	1
Reclassification of class B shares to common shares, ratio	'	0.0735
Common shares stock split conversion ratio	'	4.6
Intelsat Investments SA [Member] | 6 1/2% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Background Of Company [Line Items]	'	'
Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid	353,600,000	'
Senior Notes, Interest rate	6.50%	'
Senior Notes, maturity date	'November 2013	'
Intelsat Jackson [Member] | New Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014 [Member]	'	'
Background Of Company [Line Items]	'	'
Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid	$138,200,000	'
Senior Notes, maturity date	'February 2014	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Background Of Company [Line Items]	'	'
Stock issued during period, shares	22,222,222	'
Shares issued, price per share	$18	'
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Background Of Company [Line Items]	'	'
Stock issued during period, shares	3,450,000	'
Shares issued, price per share	$50	'
Preferred stock dividend rate	5.75%	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'10 years
Minimum [Member] | Satellites and related costs [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'11 years
Minimum [Member] | Ground segment equipment and software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'4 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'4 years
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'2 years	[1]
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'40 years
Maximum [Member] | Satellites and related costs [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'17 years
Maximum [Member] | Ground segment equipment and software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'15 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and fixtures and computer hardware [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'12 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life of assets	'12 years	[1]
[1]	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining lease term.

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 05, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2008
			New Dawn [Member]	New Dawn [Member]	New Dawn [Member]
Significant Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value approaches weight allocated	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest purchased	'	$8,744,000	$8,744,000	'	'
Equity method ownership percentage	'	'	100.00%	'	74.90%
Percentage of ownership interest acquired	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, acquisition	'	'	'	$8,700,000	'

Share_Capital_Additional_Infor

Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
				Each Series A Preferred Share will automatically convert on May 1, 2016 into common shares [Member]	Each Series A Preferred Share will automatically convert on May 1, 2016 into common shares [Member]	At any time prior to May 1, 2016, holders may elect to convert each Series A Preferred Share into common shares [Member]
				Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized share capital	10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common Shares , authorized	1,000,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common Shares , par value	$0.01	$0.01	'	'	'	'
Common Shares , issued	106,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common Shares, outstanding	106,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Shares, issued	'	'	3,500,000	'	'	'
Preferred Shares, outstanding	'	'	3,500,000	'	'	'
Preferred Shares, liquidation preference	$50	$50	$50	'	'	'
Preferred stock conversion to common ratio	'	'	'	2.2676	2.7778	2.2676
Number of trading days, conversion price of common share	'	'	'40 days	'	'	'

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Additional_

Net Loss Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 23, 2013	Apr. 23, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
				Common Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
								Third Installment [Member]	Weighted Average [Member]	Maximum [Member]
								Subsequent Event [Member]
Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period, shares	'	'	'	22,222,222	3,450,000	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued, price per share	'	'	'	$18	$50	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend declared	$10,196	'	'	'	'	$10,200	'	'	'	'
Date the declared dividend will be paid, month and year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2014-06
Dividends paid amount per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1.52	'	'	'
Dividend declared, per share price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.72	'	'
Dividend declared, payment date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3-Feb-14	'	'
Dividend declared, record date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15-Jan-14	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4,500,000	2,900,000	3,000,000	'	'	'	9,600,000	'	6,600,000	'

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	$73,615	$88,574	($407,266)	($6,916)	($4,755)	($35,349)	($84,328)	($25,067)	($251,993)	($149,498)	($435,265)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,687	-1,639	1,106
Net loss attributable to Intelsat S.A.	72,631	87,798	-408,305	-7,804	-5,750	-35,430	-84,710	-25,248	-255,680	-151,137	-434,159
Less: Preferred Shares dividends declared	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,196	'	'
Net loss attributable to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($265,876)	($151,137)	($434,159)
Denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	98.5	83	83
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($2.70)	($1.82)	($5.23)

ShareBased_and_Other_Compensat2

Share-Based and Other Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	$25.30		$4.80	$8.40
IPO [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	21.3		'	'
Stock Options	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	0.4		0.1	3.8
Share based compensation, expiration period	'10 years		'	'
Share based compensation, vesting period	'1 month		'	'
Fair value of options granted	$7.85		'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.60%		'	'
Dividend yields	0.00%		'	'
Expected volatility	59.40%		'	'
Expected life of options	'4 years		'	'
Option, exercised	380,000		0	0
Options exercised intrinsic value	5.6		'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options	3.4		'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards, period of recognition	'2 years		'	'
Cash received for exercise of stock options	2.4		'	'
Stock Options | IPO [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Weighted average fair value per share	'		$19.31	$21.21
Stock Options | Minimum [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Share based compensation, expiration period, service period	'2 years		'	'
Stock Options | Maximum [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Share based compensation, expiration period, service period	'5 years		'	'
Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	14.5		'	'
Share based compensation, expiration period	'5 years		'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.30%		'	'
Dividend yields	0.00%		'	'
Expected volatility	60.80%		'	'
Expected life of options	'2 years		'	'
Option, exercised	20,000		'	'
Options exercised intrinsic value	0.1		'	'
Cash received for exercise of stock options	0.4		'	'
Weighted average fair value per share	$5.97		'	'
Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member] | One of the individuals [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Share based compensation, expiration period	'18 months		'	'
Time Based Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	5.7		'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards, period of recognition	'2 years		'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock awards	$20.13	[1]	$0	$0
Total intrinsic value of vested stock awards	2.5		'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock awards	13.2		'	'
Number of awards, Granted	964,000	[1]	'	'
Time Based Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Share based compensation, vesting period	'6 months		'	'
Time Based Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Share based compensation, vesting period	'3 years		'	'
Restricted Shares	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	4.5		4.8	4.6
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock awards	$18	[2]	'	'
Total intrinsic value of vested stock awards	4.2		'	'
Number of awards, Granted	177,000	[2]	0	0
Restricted Shares | Minimum [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Share based compensation, vesting period	'6 months		'	'
Restricted Shares | Maximum [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Share based compensation, vesting period	'5 years		'	'
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Rsu [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	1.1		'	'
Share based compensation, vesting period	'3 years		'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards, period of recognition	'2 years		'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock awards	$21.96		$0	$0
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock awards	3.6		'	'
Restricted Stock Awards | All Other Awardees | IPO [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock awards	$18		'	'
Cost of Sales [Member] | IPO [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	2.4		'	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | IPO [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Compensation expense	$18.90		'	'
2013 Equity Plan [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Number of shares available for grant	10,000,000		'	'
Shares available for future issuance	8,000,000		'	'
[1]	Includes time-based RSUs granted in consideration of the cancellation and forfeiture of certain unvested performance options under the 2008 Equity Plan, as discussed above.
[2]	Includes 0.1 million shares granted to certain employees which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.

Stock_Option_Activity_Detail

Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options	'		'	'
Number of Stock Options	'		'	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	2,799,000		'	'
Granted	925,000	[1]	'	'
Exercised	-380,000		0	0
Cancelled	-1,766,000	[2]	'	'
Forfeited	-9,000		'	'
Expired	-1,000		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	1,568,000		2,799,000	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,144,000		'	'
Weighted Average Exercise price	'		'	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	$14.62		'	'
Granted	$24.36	[1]	'	'
Exercised	$6.40		'	'
Cancelled	$18	[2]	'	'
Forfeited	$27		'	'
Expired	$27		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	$18.48		$14.62	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	$15.22		'	'
Weighted Average remaining contractual term	'		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	'5 years 7 months 6 days		'	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	'4 years 3 months 18 days		'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	'		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	$9.30		'	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	$9.20		'	'
[1]	Includes 0.4 million options granted to certain employees at a weighted average exercise price of $21.25 per option, which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.
[2]	In connection with the IPO, the unvested portion of certain options based on performance were cancelled and forfeited and new grants of time-based restricted share units ("RSUs") and options were awarded.

Stock_Option_Activity_Parenthe

Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of Stock Options, granted	925,000	[1]
Weighted average exercise price of stock options	$24.36	[1]
IPO [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of Stock Options, granted	400,000
Weighted average exercise price of stock options	$21.25
[1]	Includes 0.4 million options granted to certain employees at a weighted average exercise price of $21.25 per option, which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.

Anti_Dilution_Option_Activity_

Anti Dilution Option Activity (Detail) (Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Anti-Dilution Option Grants [Member]	'
Number of Stock Options	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	0
Granted	2,423,000
Exercised	-20,000
Forfeited	'
Expired	'
Outstanding, end of year	2,403,000
Exercisable, end of year	2,403,000
Weighted Average Exercise price	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	$0
Granted	$18
Exercised	$18
Forfeited	'
Expired	'
Outstanding, end of year	$18
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	$18
Weighted Average remaining contractual term	'
Outstanding, end of year	'3 years 7 months 6 days
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	'3 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	'
Outstanding, end of year	$10.90
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	$10.90

Time_Based_Restricted_Stock_Un

Time Based Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) (Time Based Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Time Based Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member]	'		'	'
Number of units	'		'	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	0		'	'
Granted	964,000	[1]	'	'
Vested	-123,000		'	'
Forfeited	-24,000		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	817,000		0	'
Weighted Average grant date fair value	'		'	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	$0		'	'
Granted	$20.13	[1]	$0	$0
Vested	$20		'	'
Forfeited	$20.10		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	$20.15		$0	'
Weighted Average remaining contractual term	'		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	'1 year 9 months 18 days		'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	'		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	$18.40		'	'
[1]	Includes time-based RSUs granted in consideration of the cancellation and forfeiture of certain unvested performance options under the 2008 Equity Plan, as discussed above.

Performance_Based_Restricted_S

Performance Based Restricted Stock Units (Detail) (Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Rsu [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Rsu [Member]	'	'	'
Number of units	'	'	'
Granted	566,000	'	'
Vested	'	'	'
Forfeited	-16,000	'	'
Outstanding, end of year	550,000	'	'
Weighted Average grant date fair value	'	'	'
Granted	$21.96	$0	$0
Vested	'	'	'
Forfeited	$21.96	'	'
Outstanding, end of year	$21.96	'	'
Weighted Average remaining contractual term	'	'	'
Outstanding, end of year	'2 years 2 months 12 days	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	'	'	'
Outstanding, end of year	$12.40	'	'

Restricted_Share_Activity_Deta

Restricted Share Activity (Detail) (Restricted Shares, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Shares	'		'	'
Number of shares	'		'	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	8,000		'	'
Granted	177,000	[1]	0	0
Vested	-184,000		'	'
Forfeited	-1,000		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	'		8,000	'
Weighted Average grant date fair value	'		'	'
Outstanding, beginning of year	$151.32		'	'
Granted	$18	[1]	'	'
Vested	$23.94		'	'
Forfeited	$18		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	'		$151.32	'
Weighted Average remaining contractual term	'		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	'0 years		'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	'		'	'
Outstanding, end of year	'		'	'
[1]	Includes 0.1 million shares granted to certain employees which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.

Restricted_Share_Activity_Pare

Restricted Share Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Restricted Shares)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Number of shares, Granted	177,000	[1]	0	0
Employee Stock [Member] | IPO [Member]	'		'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'	'
Number of shares, Granted	100,000		'	'
[1]	Includes 0.1 million shares granted to certain employees which were deemed granted upon expiration of certain repurchase provisions in connection with the IPO.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Assets, fair value	$6,036		$5,613
Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities, fair value	48,819		74,564
Marketable Securities [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Assets, fair value	6,036	[1]	5,613	[1]
Undesignated interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities, fair value	48,819	[2]	74,564	[2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Assets, fair value	6,036		5,613
Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities, fair value	0		0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Assets, fair value	6,036	[1]	5,613	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Undesignated interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities, fair value	0	[2]	0	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Assets, fair value	0		0
Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities, fair value	48,819		74,564
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Assets, fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Undesignated interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Liabilities	'		'
Liabilities, fair value	$48,819	[2]	$74,564	[2]
[1]	The valuation measurement inputs of these marketable securities represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and, accordingly, we have classified such investments within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The cost basis of our available-for-sale marketable securities was $5.5 million at December 31, 2012 and $5.3 million at December 31, 2013. We sold marketable securities with a cost basis of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 and recorded a gain on the sale of $0.5 million, which was included within other expense, net in our consolidated statement of operations.
[2]	The fair value of our interest rate financial derivative instruments reflects the estimated amounts that we would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates, the market expectation for future interest rates and current creditworthiness of both the counterparties and ourselves. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments, if any, associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as the estimates of the current credit spread, to evaluate the likelihood of default by us or our counterparties. We also considered the existence of offset provisions and other credit enhancements that serve to reduce the credit exposure associated with the asset or liability being valued. We have assessed the significance of the inputs of the credit valuation adjustments to the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu1

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale marketable securities	'	$5.30	$5.50
Sale of marketable securities	0.1	'	'
Gain on the sale of available-for-sale marketable securities	$0.50	'	'

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret2

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	100.00%	100.00%	'
Assumed health care cost trend rate	7.70%	8.10%	'
Assumed decrease in health care cost trend rate	4.50%	'	'
Effect of one percent increase in health care cost trend rate on other postretirement benefit obligation	$9,600,000	'	'
Effect of one percent decrease in health care cost trend rate on other postretirement benefit obligation	8,200,000	'	'
Effect of one percent increase in health care cost trend rate on service and interest cost components	500,000	'	'
Effect of one percent decrease in health care cost trend rate on service and interest cost components	400,000	'	'
Recognized compensation expense	5,400,000	7,900,000	8,000,000
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	47.00%	38.00%	'
Equity Securities [Member] | U S Equity [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	31.00%	'	'
Equity Securities [Member] | Non-U.S. equities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	16.00%	'	'
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	38.00%	47.00%	'
Other securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	15.00%	15.00%	'
Other securities [Member] | Hedge Fund [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	10.00%	'	'
Other securities [Member] | Real Estate Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation	5.00%	'	'
Defined pension benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions to defined benefit retirement plan	31,989,000	30,110,000	'
Estimated contributions to plan in next fiscal year	27,600,000	'	'
Accrued benefit costs	105,733,000	195,591,000	'
Accrued benefit costs included in other current liabilities	600,000	600,000	'
Accrued benefit costs included in other long-term liabilities	105,100,000	195,000,000	'
Other postretirement benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions to defined benefit retirement plan	3,410,000	3,508,000	'
Estimated contributions to plan in next fiscal year	4,400,000	'	'
Accrued benefit costs	95,315,000	107,704,000	'
Accrued benefit costs included in other current liabilities	4,400,000	4,300,000	'
Accrued benefit costs included in other long-term liabilities	$90,900,000	$103,400,000	'

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret3

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Prior Service Credits and Actuarial Losses Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Periodic Pension Benefit Costs, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	($107)	($110)	($109)
Amortization of actuarial loss reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	12,320	5,178	4,328
Realized gains on investments	123	'	'
Direct Costs Of Revenue Excluding Depreciation And Amortization [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	-63	'	'
Amortization of actuarial loss reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	7,302	'	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service credits reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	-44	'	'
Amortization of actuarial loss reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net periodic pension benefit costs	5,018	'	'
Other Income And Expense Net [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Realized gains on investments	$123	'	'

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret4

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in plan assets	'	'	'
Plan assets at beginning of period	$278,384	'	'
Plan assets at fair value at end of period	322,176	278,384	'
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Actuarial loss, net of tax	-12,320	-5,178	-4,328
Prior service credits, net of tax	107	110	109
Defined pension benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	473,975	436,102	'
Service cost	3,318	3,211	3,102
Interest cost	18,244	19,061	20,058
Employee contributions	0	0	'
Benefits paid	-21,294	-21,668	'
Plan amendments	0	0	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-46,334	37,269	'
Benefit obligation at end of period	427,909	473,975	436,102
Change in plan assets	'	'	'
Plan assets at beginning of period	278,384	236,793	'
Employer contributions	31,989	30,110	'
Employee contributions	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets	33,097	33,149	'
Benefits paid	-21,294	-21,668	'
Plan assets at fair value at end of period	322,176	278,384	236,793
Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans	-105,733	-195,591	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	418,710	462,995	'
Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.83%	3.98%	'
Salary rate	3.25%	3.25%	'
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.98%	4.51%	'
Expected rate of return on plan assets	7.80%	8.00%	'
Rate of compensation increase	3.25%	3.25%	'
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Actuarial loss, net of tax	12,094	4,729	'
Prior service credits, net of tax	-107	-110	'
Total	11,987	4,619	'
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Actuarial loss, net of tax	62,234	110,389	'
Prior service credits, net of tax	-500	-607	'
Total	61,734	109,782	'
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year	'	'	'
Actuarial loss	-10,319	-19,423	'
Prior service credits	172	172	'
Total	-10,147	-19,251	'
Other postretirement benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	107,704	110,737	'
Service cost	293	354	452
Interest cost	4,295	4,959	5,069
Employee contributions	443	365	'
Benefits paid	-3,853	-3,873	'
Plan amendments	797	0	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-14,364	-4,838	'
Benefit obligation at end of period	95,315	107,704	110,737
Change in plan assets	'	'	'
Plan assets at beginning of period	0	0	'
Employer contributions	3,410	3,508	'
Employee contributions	443	365	'
Actual return on plan assets	0	0	'
Benefits paid	-3,853	-3,873	'
Plan assets at fair value at end of period	0	0	0
Accrued benefit costs and funded status of the plans	-95,315	-107,704	'
Weighted average assumptions used to determine accumulated benefit obligation and accrued benefit costs	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.90%	4.04%	'
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.04%	4.57%	'
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Actuarial loss, net of tax	226	449	'
Total	226	449	'
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Actuarial loss, net of tax	923	10,160	'
Total	923	10,160	'
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in the subsequent year	'	'	'
Actuarial loss	'	-362	'
Total	'	($362)	'

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret5

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Target and Actual Asset Allocation of Pension Plan Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Actual allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target allocation	47.00%	38.00%
Actual allocation	50.00%	39.00%
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target allocation	38.00%	47.00%
Actual allocation	36.00%	46.00%
Other securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target allocation	15.00%	15.00%
Actual allocation	14.00%	15.00%

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret6

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	$322,176		$278,384
U.S. Large-Cap [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	83,116	[1]	53,874	[1]
U.S. Small/Mid-Cap [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	24,857	[2]	15,676	[2]
World Equity Ex-US [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	53,367	[3]	38,098	[3]
Long Duration Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	'		82,416	[4]
Short Duration Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	61,388	[5]	'
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	14,282	[6]	10,889	[6]
Emerging Market Fixed income (Non-US) [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	9,633	[7]	8,024	[7]
Core Fixed Income [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	29,844	[8]	27,492	[8]
Hedge Fund [Member] | Other securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	29,766	[9]	28,006	[9]
Core Property Fund [Member] | Other securities [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	15,747	[10]	13,909	[10]
Income earned but not yet received [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	$176		'
[1]	US large cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the S&P 500 Index, as well as other equity securities and derivative instruments whose value is derived from the performance of the S&P 500.
[2]	US small/mid cap equity fund invests primarily in a portfolio of common stocks included in the Russell 2500 Index.
[3]	World equity ex-US fund invests primarily in common stocks and other equity securities whose issuers comprise a broad range of capitalizations and are located outside of the U.S. The fund invests primarily in developed countries but may also invest in emerging markets.
[4]	Long duration bond fund seeks to duplicate the return characteristics of high quality corporate bonds with a duration range of 10-13 years. The fund's investment strategy is designed to aid corporate pension plans with asset and liability management in order to reduce funding status volatility caused by changes in interest rates.
[5]	Short duration bond fund includes the Ultra Short Duration Bond fund and Opportunistic Income fund. The Ultra Short Duration Bond invests at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade U.S. dollar denominated debt instruments. While the funds may invest in securities with any maturity or duration, the funds will maintain a portfolio duration range of 18 months or less under normal market conditions. The Opportunistic Income fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade and non-investment grade fixed-income securities. There are no restrictions on the maturity of any individual securities or on the fund's average portfolio maturity, although the average portfolio duration will typically vary between 0-24 months.
[6]	High yield bond fund seeks to maximize return by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of higher yielding, lower rated fixed income securities. The fund will invest primarily in securities rated below investment grade, including corporate bonds, convertible and preferred securities and zero coupon obligations.
[7]	Emerging markets debt fund seeks to maximize return investing in fixed income securities of emerging markets issuers. The fund will invest primarily in U.S. dollar denominated debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries, as well as entities organized to restructure the outstanding debt of such issuers.
[8]	Core fixed income fund invests in fixed-income funds which seek to provide current income consistent with the preservation of capital.
[9]	Hedge funds seek to provide returns that are different from (less correlated with) investments in more traditional asset classes. The funds will pursue their investment objectives by investing substantially all of their assets in various hedge funds.
[10]	Core property fund is a fund of funds that invests in direct commercial property funds primarily in the U.S. The fund is meant to provide current income-oriented returns, diversification, and modest inflation protection to an overall investment portfolio. Total returns are expected to be somewhere between stocks and bonds, with moderate volatility and low correlation to public markets.

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret7

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Long Duration Bonds [Member]	Long Duration Bonds [Member]	Long Duration Bonds [Member]	Long Duration Bonds [Member]	Short Duration Bonds [Member]	High Yield Bonds [Member]	High Yield Bonds [Member]
			Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Fixed Income Securities [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
			Fixed Income Securities [Member]	Fixed Income Securities [Member]	Fixed Income Securities [Member]	Fixed Income Securities [Member]		Fixed Income Securities [Member]	Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Bond fund duration range	'	'	'10 years	'10 years	'13 years	'13 years	'	'	'
Actual allocation	100.00%	100.00%	'	'	'	'	80.00%	'	'
Securities or fund's average portfolio maturity period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'18 months	'0 months	'24 months

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret8

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined pension benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	$3,318	$3,211	$3,102
Interest cost	18,244	19,061	20,058
Expected return on plan assets	-21,263	-20,562	-19,729
Plan amendment	0	0	'
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits	-172	-172	-172
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	19,423	13,990	6,862
Total benefit	19,550	15,528	10,121
Other postretirement benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	293	354	452
Interest cost	4,295	4,959	5,069
Plan amendment	797	0	'
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	362	687	'
Total benefit	$5,747	$6,000	$5,521

Retirement_Plans_and_Other_Ret9

Retirement Plans and Other Retiree Benefits - Benefits Expected to be Paid Next Five Years (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined pension benefit plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	$31,626
2015	27,053
2016	28,372
2017	28,768
2018	28,366
2019 to 2023	149,655
Total	293,840
Other postretirement benefit plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	4,421
2015	4,813
2016	5,195
2017	5,567
2018	5,918
2019 to 2023	33,495
Total	$59,409

Receivables_Summary_of_Receiva

Receivables - Summary of Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	($35,288)	($23,583)
Total	236,347	282,214
Services [Member] | Billed [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables, gross	247,655	276,637
Services [Member] | Unbilled [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables, gross	8,260	9,840
Other [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables, gross	$15,720	$19,320

Receivables_Additional_Informa

Receivables - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Other receivables, due from JSAT International, Inc.	$12.20	$12.20

Satellites_and_Other_Property_2

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment - Schedule of Satellites and Other Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	$9,391,685	$9,420,883
Less: accumulated depreciation	-3,586,145	-3,065,691
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,805,540	6,355,192
Satellites And Launch Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	8,628,596	8,700,926
Information Systems And Ground Segment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	559,250	524,285
Buildings and other [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, cost	$203,839	$195,672

Satellites_and_Other_Property_3

Satellites and Other Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 05, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 01, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 05, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

U.S. administrative headquarters office building in Washington, D.C [Member]

Virginia Properties [Member]

Virginia Properties [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Solar Array Anomaly (Member)

Satellite Launches [Member]

Satellite Launches [Member]

Satellite Launches [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

sqft

sqft

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction-in-progress

$800,000,000

$700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized interest

44,800,000

117,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation expense

654,300,000

673,100,000

664,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Insurance proceeds received

487,930,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

406,200,000

'

'

'

'

118,000,000

Gain On Satellite Insurance Recoveries

9,618,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

Satellites and other property and equipment, net

5,805,540,000

6,355,192,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

396,600,000

'

'

'

'

Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid

'

'

'

'

'

'

754,800,000

'

'

'

366,400,000

82,600,000

112,200,000

'

Insurance proceeds from Partial loss Claim

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

84,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

118,000,000

Proceed from sale of building

'

82,415,000

'

85,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax gain on sale of building

'

'

'

$12,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of space leased

'

'

'

'

188,000

211,687

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term lease agreement

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 05, 2012

Jun. 30, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Range One [Member]

Range Two [Member]

Horizons Satellite Holdings [Member]

Horizons Satellite Holdings [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

WP Com [Member]

Subsidiary

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

'

$16,589,670,000

$17,265,846,000

'

'

'

'

'

$101,700,000

$136,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,600,000

49,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee Obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,800,000

10,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of revenue to JSAT

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue share, net of applicable fees and commissions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,100,000

3,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee expense

'

9,000,000

5,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee expenses paid

'

4,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected guarantee expenses to be paid over the period of the guarantee

'

9,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining liability related to the guarantee expense

'

'

'

5,600,000

3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivable from JSAT - Current

'

'

'

'

'

12,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital contribution in percent

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

74.90%

49.00%

99.90%

Noncontrolling ownership interest percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.10%

51.00%

'

Ownership interest purchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

'

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8,700,000

'

'

'

'

Percentage of economic interest

'

88.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments_Changes_in_Equity_

Investments - Changes in Equity Attributable to Intelsat and Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Changes In Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [ Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	($1,312,090)	($1,147,959)	'
Net income (loss)	-251,993	-147,555	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-8,671	-8,838	'
Mark to market adjustment for redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	-7,663	'
Initial public offering, net of costs	542,796	'	'
Change in classification of certain equity awards	18,899	'	'
Share-based compensation	28,553	6,825	'
Declaration of preferred stock dividend	-10,196	'	'
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment	57,283	-7,288	'
Other comprehensive income	752	388	'
Ending Balance	-934,667	-1,312,090	'
Intelsat S.A. Shareholders' Deficit [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Changes In Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [ Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-1,357,760	-1,198,885	'
Net income (loss)	-255,680	-151,137	'
Mark to market adjustment for redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	-7,663	15,090
Initial public offering, net of costs	542,796	'	'
Change in classification of certain equity awards	18,899	'	56,760
Share-based compensation	28,553	6,825	2,775
Declaration of preferred stock dividend	-10,196	'	'
Postretirement/pension liability adjustment	57,283	-7,288	-35,080
Other comprehensive income	752	388	'
Ending Balance	-975,353	-1,357,760	-1,198,885
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Changes In Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [ Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	45,670	50,926	'
Net income (loss)	3,687	3,582	'
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-8,671	-8,838	-1,375
Ending Balance	$40,686	$45,670	$50,926

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets not Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$6,780,827	$6,780,827
Intangible Assets	2,458,100	2,458,100
Goodwill [Member]	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	6,780,827	6,780,827
Orbital Locations [Member]	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible Assets	2,387,700	2,387,700
Trade Name [Member]	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible Assets	$70,400	$70,400

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Segment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of operating segments for impairment analysis	1	'	'
Amortization expense	$82.30	$91.80	$105.50
Backlog and other [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average useful lives, Intangible assets	'4 years	'	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average useful lives, Intangible assets	'13 years	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$1,280,490	$1,280,490
Accumulated Amortization	-711,715	-629,403
Net Carrying Amount	568,775	651,087
Backlog and other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	743,760	743,760
Accumulated Amortization	-575,045	-520,204
Net Carrying Amount	168,715	223,556
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	534,030	534,030
Accumulated Amortization	-133,970	-106,499
Net Carrying Amount	400,060	427,531
Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	2,700	2,700
Accumulated Amortization	($2,700)	($2,700)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Amortization Charges of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	$68,231
2015	60,215
2016	48,491
2017	42,254
2018	$38,481

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Carr

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

IntelsatSA [Member]

IntelsatSA [Member]

Intelsat Investment HoldingsSrl [Member]

Intelsat Investment HoldingsSrl [Member]

Intelsat Investments SA [Member]

Intelsat Investments SA [Member]

Intelsat Investments SA [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Horizons Holdings [Member]

Horizons Holdings [Member]

Horizons Holdings [Member]

Horizons Holdings [Member]

Notes Payable [Member]

Notes Payable [Member]

Notes Payable [Member]

Notes Payable [Member]

6.5% Senior Notes due November 2013 [Member]

6.5% Senior Notes due November 2013 [Member]

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017 [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member]

8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 [Member]

Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014 [Member]

New Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014 [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member]

Loan Payable to JSAT [Member]

Loan Payable to JSAT [Member]

Former Employee Shareholders [Member]

Former Employee Shareholders [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, Carrying Value

$15,287,414

$15,904,194

$739

$739

$129

$129

$328,238

$353,550

'

$3,500,000

$5,307,986

$2,805,000

$2,502,986

$500,000

$2,000,000

$1,000,000

$11,762,996

$10,218,266

$2,650,000

$500,000

$500,000

'

'

$2,200,000

$2,200,000

$1,200,000

'

'

$1,500,000

$1,500,000

$1,500,000

$1,150,000

$1,150,000

$1,150,000

$1,275,000

$640,000

'

$2,000,000

$195,152

$810,876

$3,095,000

$3,218,000

'

'

$24,418

$48,836

$24,418

$48,836

Current portion of long-term debt

24,418

57,466

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,180

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, Fair Value

15,909,472

16,765,348

739

739

129

129

367,268

367,268

'

3,746,300

5,619,453

2,966,288

2,653,165

530,000

2,145,000

1,071,300

12,138,754

10,728,923

'

545,650

561,250

'

'

2,409,000

2,392,500

'

'

'

1,612,500

1,614,450

'

1,267,875

1,267,875

'

1,310,063

660,800

'

1,890,000

192,713

800,740

3,103,666

3,238,595

'

'

24,418

48,836

24,418

48,836

Long-term debt, Unamortized discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,312

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,864

-3,218

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,918

'

'

'

'

'

-9,857

-12,289

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, Unamortized premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,799

19,745

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt, excluding current portion

$15,262,996

$15,846,728

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,500,000

$5,307,986

'

'

'

'

'

$11,762,996

$10,186,086

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Carr1

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 26, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 03, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

Intelsat Investments SA [Member]

Intelsat Investments SA [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

6.5% Senior Notes due November 2013 [Member]

6.5% Senior Notes due November 2013 [Member]

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017 [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member]

7.75% Senior Notes due June 2021 [Member]

8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]

8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]

8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 [Member]

5.5% Senior Notes due August 2023 [Member]

Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014 [Member]

Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014 [Member]

New Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014 [Member]

New Senior Unsecured Credit Facilities due February 2014 [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due June 2019 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable interest rates, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.50%

11.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable interest rates, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.50%

12.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes, maturity date

'2020

'

'

'2022

'

'November 2013

'November 2013

'February 2017

'February 2017

'February 2017

'February 2017

'2018

'June 2018

'June 2018

'June 2021

'June 2021

'2023

'June 2023

'June 2023

'November 2019

'November 2019

'October 2020

'October 2020

'2019

'April 2019

'April 2019

'2021

'April 2021

'April 2021

'December 2022

'December 2022

'August 2023

'August 2023

'February 2014

'February 2014

'February 2014

'February 2014

'June 2019

'June 2019

Senior Notes, Interest rate

'

7.25%

7.25%

6.63%

6.63%

6.50%

6.50%

11.25%

11.25%

'

'

6.75%

6.75%

6.75%

7.75%

7.75%

8.13%

8.13%

8.13%

8.50%

8.50%

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

6.63%

6.63%

5.50%

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Prin

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
2014	$24,418	'
2015	'	'
2016	'	'
2017	'	'
2018	500,000	'
2019 and thereafter	14,720,000	'
Total principal repayments	15,244,418	'
Unamortized discounts and premium	42,996	'
Total Intelsat S.A. long-term debt	$15,287,414	$15,904,194

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Nov. 27, 2013

Nov. 27, 2013

Nov. 27, 2013

Oct. 05, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 26, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

Apr. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 03, 2012

Oct. 03, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 27, 2013

Jan. 12, 2011

Jan. 12, 2011

Nov. 27, 2013

Nov. 27, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 05, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Jan. 12, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

23-May-13

23-May-13

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 05, 2013

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 23, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 05, 2013

Jun. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 05, 2013

Jun. 05, 2013

Jun. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Abr [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

11 1/4% Senior Notes Due June 2016 [Member]

11 1/4% Senior Notes Due June 2016 [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Financial Covenants [Member]

Financial Covenants [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]

6 1/2% Senior Notes [Member]

6 1/2% Senior Notes [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Horizons Holdings [Member]

Horizons Holdings [Member]

Tranche One [Member]

Tranche One [Member]

Tranche One [Member]

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Abr [Member]

New Dawn [Member]

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Swingline Loan [Member]

Maximum [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]

7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]

8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]

8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]

8.125% Senior Notes due 2023 [Member]

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.25% Senior Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017 [Member]

11.5% / 12.5% Senior PIK Election Notes due February 2017 [Member]

2017 Senior Notes [Member]

New Jackson Notes [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

6.625 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

7.25 Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

8.5% Senior Notes due November 2019 [Member]

New Senior Unsecured Credit Agreement [Member]

New Senior Unsecured Credit Agreement [Member]

2017 Senior Notes [Member]

5 1/2% Senior Notes due 2023

5 1/2% Senior Notes due 2023

6 5/8 % Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]

New Senior Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Unsecured Credit Agreement [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Tranche One [Member]

Tranche Two [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment indebtedness

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt

-366,800,000

-24,300,000

-43,400,000

-368,089,000

-73,542,000

-326,183,000

'

'

'

-2,700,000

'

-3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,300,000

'

'

'

'

-232,100,000

-341,351,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-24,200,000

-110,300,000

-43,400,000

-2,553,000

-67,709,000

-247,223,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

640,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000,000

'

500,000,000

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,600,000,000

'

'

2,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

635,000,000

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.25%

7.25%

9.50%

'

11.25%

11.25%

6.63%

6.63%

11.25%

11.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.75%

6.75%

6.75%

7.75%

7.75%

8.13%

8.13%

8.13%

'

11.25%

11.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.25%

7.25%

'

6.63%

6.63%

'

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

8.50%

8.50%

'

'

'

5.50%

5.50%

6.63%

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2020

'

'

'

'2016

'

'2016

'2022

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2018

'June 2018

'June 2018

'2021

'June 2021

'2023

'June 2023

'June 2023

'

'February 2017

'February 2017

'

'February 2017

'February 2017

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'October 2020

'October 2020

'

'December 2022

'December 2022

'

'2021

'April 2021

'April 2021

'November 2019

'November 2019

'

'

'

'2023

'August 2023

'2022

'

'

'September 2014

'

Debt amount repurchased, redeemed or prepaid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

82,600,000

112,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

701,900,000

'

445,000,000

'

'

'

603,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

754,800,000

'

'

2,500,000,000

'

'

366,400,000

353,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000,000

'

'

'

672,700,000

'

'

'

Unsecured term loan commitments Termination Fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment indebtedness

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

138,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior unsecured term loan facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

195,200,000

'

'

Maximum available of revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

215,000,000

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, maturity period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'8 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total insurance recoveries anticipated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

118,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

15,904,194,000

'

15,287,414,000

15,904,194,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000,000

'

5,307,986,000

'

500,000,000

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

2,805,000,000

'

'

2,502,986,000

'

'

'

'

'

11,762,996,000

10,218,266,000

'

'

2,650,000,000

'

2,200,000,000

2,200,000,000

1,200,000,000

1,275,000,000

640,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,150,000,000

1,150,000,000

1,150,000,000

500,000,000

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

24,418,000

48,836,000

Interest payment dates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Semi-annually on June 1 and December 1.

'

'

'Semi-annually on June 1 and December 1.

'

'Semi-annually on June 1 and December 1.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Semi-annually on April 1 and October 1

'Semi-annually on April 15 and October 15

'

'

'Semi-annually on June 15 and December 15

'

'

'

'

'

'Semi-annually on May 1 and November 1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early redemption price equal to percentage of principal amount of notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

100.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Early redemption price equal to percentage of aggregate principal amount of notes from equity offerings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

40.00%

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

450,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly payment percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unused commitment fee percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Availability remaining under revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$487,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable interest rates, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.50%

11.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instruments variable interest rate spread

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

1.00%

1.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.60%

'

Debt, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-19

'

'

12-Jul-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.4

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.93

1.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	5-May-11	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 14, 2013	Mar. 14, 2013
				Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Series B Senior Notes [Member]	Series B Senior Notes [Member]	Interest Rate Swap Maturing January 2016 [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate notional amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,600,000,000	'	$731,400,000
Derivative maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'January 2016	'	'
Floating rate of interest basis, description	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Three-month LIBOR	'	'
Interest rate utilized to compute interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.24%	'
Non-cash credit valuation adjustment	1,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of repurchase of notes	'	'	'	'	101.00%	'	'	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	0	4,295,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principle amount outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	400,000,000	'	'	'
Derivative gain (loss)	'	'	'	$4,295,000	'	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Schedule of Fair Value of Derivatives by Category (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value	$48,819	$74,564
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value	1,241	7,246
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value	$47,578	$67,318

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total losses on derivative financial instruments	$8,064	$39,935	$24,635
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Undesignated interest rate swaps Losses on derivative financial instruments	8,064	39,935	28,930
Put option embedded derivative Losses on derivative financial instruments	'	'	-4,295
Total losses on derivative financial instruments	$8,064	$39,935	$24,635

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Total_

Income Taxes - Summary of Total Loss Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Provision For Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Domestic income (loss) before income taxes	($282,830)	($169,129)	($490,658)
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Provision For Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Domestic income (loss) before income taxes	-356,019	-627,617	-567,039
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Provision For Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Domestic income (loss) before income taxes	$73,189	$458,488	$76,381

Income_Taxes_Provision_for_Ben

Income Taxes - Provision for (Benefit From) Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current income tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'
Domestic	$856	$1,019	$1,162
Foreign	33,654	41,239	23,011
Total	34,510	42,258	24,173
Deferred income tax provision (benefit):	'	'	'
Domestic	'	'	'
Foreign	-65,347	-61,889	-79,566
Total	-65,347	-61,889	-79,566
Total income tax provision	($30,837)	($19,631)	($55,393)

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Provis

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected tax benefit at Luxembourg statutory income tax rate	($82,643)	($48,709)	($141,310)
Foreign income tax differential	35,511	33,118	27,626
Nontaxable interest income	-93,154	-136,478	-102,758
U.S. extraterritorial income exclusion tax benefit	'	-37,597	-208
Change in tax rate	'	'	716
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	-3,997	1,756	-5,087
Changes in valuation allowance	171,433	174,038	173,930
Tax effect of 2011 Intercompany Sale	-6,865	-6,416	-6,272
Foreign Tax Credits	-44,137	'	'
Research and Development Tax Credits	-5,890	'	'
Other	-1,095	657	-2,030
Total income tax provision	($30,837)	($19,631)	($55,393)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred tax asset attributable to net operating loss carryforwards	$1,265,624,000	$1,068,126,000	'
Deferred tax assets attributable to tax credit carryforwards	73,916,000	20,643,000	'
Net operating loss carryforwards with expiration	67,800,000	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards without expiration	1,200,000,000	'	'
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	21,000,000	'	'
Research and development credit carryforward	8,800,000	'	'
Capital loss carryforward	'	22,259,000	'
Valuation allowance amount	1,464,706,000	1,943,365,000	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	65,111,000	67,015,000	64,767,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	44,400,000	48,400,000	'
Reserves for interest and penalties	14,700,000	11,600,000	'
Decrease in prior period tax position	-3,300,000	'	'
Increase related to current tax position	3,400,000	'	'
Decrease due to the expiration of statute of limitations for assessment of taxes	2,045,000	1,748,000	'
Base tax amount for indemnification calculation per tax separation agreement	75,000,000	'	'
Maximum tax exposure related to periods prior to recapitalization per tax separation agreement	15,000,000	'	'
Taxes paid related to periods prior to recapitalization	4,000,000	'	'
Tax indemnification receivable	$1,500,000	$2,300,000	'
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | Before Rate Change [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Enacted tax rate	28.80%	'	'
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member] | After Rate Change [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Enacted tax rate	29.22%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date	'2018	'	'
Tax Indemnification Percentage	80.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Research And Development Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date	'2016	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date	'2033	'	'
Tax Indemnification Percentage	100.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Research And Development Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward expiry Date	'2018	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Net

Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Current deferred taxes, net	$44,475	$94,779
Long-term deferred taxes, net	-202,638	-286,673
Other assets	9,246	7,957
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Accruals and advances	23,959	35,801
Amortizable intangible assets	188,800	516,562
Non-amortizable intangible assets	'	30,588
Performance incentives	26,146	29,653
Customer deposits	51,318	50,833
Bad debt reserve	3,436	4,113
Accrued retirement benefits	67,337	100,748
Interest rate swap	568	3,562
Satellites and other property and equipment	44,487	337,476
Disallowed interest expense carryforward	95,427	88,192
Net operating loss carryforward	1,265,624	1,068,126
Capital loss carryforward	'	22,259
Tax credits	73,916	20,643
Other	15,675	60,137
Total deferred tax assets	1,856,693	2,368,693
Satellites and other property and equipment	-49,077	-64,700
Amortizable intangible assets	-44,297	-34,958
Non-amortizable intangible assets	-254,384	-267,965
Tax basis differences in investments and affiliates	-187,283	-238,859
Other	-5,863	-2,783
Total deferred tax liabilities	-540,904	-609,265
Valuation allowance	-1,464,706	-1,943,365
Total net deferred tax liabilities	($148,917)	($183,937)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Activi

Income Taxes - Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at January 1	$67,015	$64,767
Increases related to current year tax positions	3,477	3,593
Increases related to prior year tax positions	3,107	3,580
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	-6,443	-3,177
Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes	-2,045	-1,748
Balance at December 31	$65,111	$67,015

Contractual_Commitments_Additi

Contractual Commitments - Additional Expenditures and Expected Year of Payment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'
2014	$568,249
2015	517,200
2016	473,801
2017	379,556
2018	249,997
2019 and thereafter	526,661
Total contractual commitments	2,715,464
Satellite Construction and Launch Obligations [Member]	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'
2014	405,066
2015	445,013
2016	413,079
2017	337,509
2018	214,099
2019 and thereafter	253,176
Total contractual commitments	2,067,942
Satellite Performance Incentive Obligations [Member]	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'
2014	37,834
2015	28,880
2016	26,730
2017	25,089
2018	20,899
2019 and thereafter	124,445
Total contractual commitments	263,877
Operating Leases [Member]	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'
2014	8,968
2015	14,698
2016	14,870
2017	13,688
2018	13,287
2019 and thereafter	148,158
Total contractual commitments	213,669
Sublease Rental Income [Member]	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'
2014	-418
2015	-369
2016	-299
2017	-14
2018	-20
2019 and thereafter	-210
Total contractual commitments	-1,330
Customer and Vendor Contracts [Member]	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'
2014	116,799
2015	28,978
2016	19,421
2017	3,284
2018	1,732
2019 and thereafter	1,092
Total contractual commitments	$171,306

Contractual_Commitments_Additi1

Contractual Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual commitments	$2,715,464,000	'	'
Total obligation related to operating leases	212,300,000	'	'
Total rental expense	13,100,000	7,000,000	4,900,000
Satellite Construction and Launch Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual commitments	2,067,942,000	'	'
Satellite Performance Incentive Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual commitments	263,877,000	'	'
Customer and Vendor Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Contractual Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual commitments	$171,306,000	'	'

Business_and_Geographic_Segmen2

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Geographic Distribution of Revenue (Detail) (Sales Revenue, Net [Member], Geographic Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
North America [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	45.00%	46.00%	47.00%
Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	16.00%	16.00%	16.00%
Africa And Middle East [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	15.00%	16.00%	17.00%
Latin America And Caribbean [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	16.00%	15.00%	14.00%
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	8.00%	7.00%	6.00%

Business_and_Geographic_Segmen3

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (Sales Revenue, Net [Member], Customer Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Largest customers accounted revenue in percentage	25.00%	25.00%	27.00%

Business_and_Geographic_Segmen4

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Off-Network and On-Network Revenues (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$642,848	$651,844	$653,803	$655,127	$672,368	$654,946	$638,668	$644,169	$2,603,623	$2,610,152	$2,588,426
On-Network Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,359,517	2,318,059	2,295,135
On-Network Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and other off-network services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,988,771	1,950,230	1,907,768
On-Network Revenues [Member] | Managed services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	298,623	276,024	282,386
On-Network Revenues [Member] | Channel [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	72,123	91,805	104,981
Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	244,106	292,093	293,291
Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and other off-network services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	194,601	234,143	237,020
Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Satellite-related services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$49,505	$57,950	$56,271
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	91.00%	89.00%	89.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and other off-network services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	76.00%	75.00%	74.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member] | Managed services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | On-Network Revenues [Member] | Channel [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Transponder, MSS and other off-network services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | Off-Network and Other Revenues [Member] | Satellite-related services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				2008 MFA [Member]	2008 MFA [Member]	Horizons Satellite Holdings [Member]	WP Com [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fee paid for termination	'	'	'	$39.10	$39.10	'	'
Write-off of prepaid fee	'	'	'	17.2	17.2	'	'
Expense for services associated with 2008 MFA	$64.20	$25.10	$24.90	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%	49.00%

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation2

Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) - Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$642,848	$651,844	$653,803	$655,127	$672,368	$654,946	$638,668	$644,169	$2,603,623	$2,610,152	$2,588,426
Income from operations	330,604	308,082	255,638	310,049	311,611	300,959	281,543	291,275	1,204,374	1,185,389	1,168,791
Net income (loss)	73,615	88,574	-407,266	-6,916	-4,755	-35,349	-84,328	-25,067	-251,993	-149,498	-435,265
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	$72,631	$87,798	($408,305)	($7,804)	($5,750)	($35,430)	($84,710)	($25,248)	($255,680)	($151,137)	($434,159)
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Intelsat S.A.:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.69	$0.83	($4.19)	($0.09)	($0.07)	($0.43)	($1.02)	($0.30)	'	'	'
Diluted	$0.62	$0.75	($4.19)	($0.09)	($0.07)	($0.43)	($1.02)	($0.30)	'	'	'

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation3

Quarterly Results of Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	($366,800,000)	($24,300,000)	'	($43,400,000)	($368,089,000)	($73,542,000)	($326,183,000)
Pre-tax charge	'	'	20,000,000	'	'	'	'
Associated costs and expenses	'	'	1,000,000	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax charge	'	'	'	'	25,300,000	4,800,000	8,400,000
2008 MFA [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fee paid for termination	39,100,000	'	'	'	39,100,000	'	'
Write-off of prepaid fee	17,200,000	'	'	'	17,200,000	'	'
Pre-tax charge	$21,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin2

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 26, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Apr. 05, 2011

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 05, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 26, 2012

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

Intelsat Jackson [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.5% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes due October 2020 [Member]

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, Carrying Value

$15,287,414,000

$15,904,194,000

'

'

'

$11,762,996,000

$10,218,266,000

'

$2,650,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$1,150,000,000

$1,150,000,000

$1,150,000,000

$2,200,000,000

$2,200,000,000

$1,200,000,000

Senior Notes, Interest rate

'

'

'

7.25%

7.25%

'

'

'

'

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

7.25%

7.25%

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'2020

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2019

'April 2019

'April 2019

'2021

'April 2021

'April 2021

'October 2020

'October 2020

'

Other comprehensive loss

'

'

'

'

'

$58,000,000

$6,900,000

$35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin3

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$247,790		$187,485		$296,724	$698,542
Receivables, net of allowance	236,347		282,214		'	'
Deferred income taxes	44,475		94,779		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,224		38,708		'	'
Total current assets	561,836		603,186		'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,805,540		6,355,192		'	'
Goodwill	6,780,827		6,780,827		'	'
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,458,100		2,458,100		'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net	568,775		651,087		'	'
Investment in affiliates	'		1,010		'	'
Other assets	414,592		416,444		'	'
Total assets	16,589,670		17,265,846		'	'
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	182,939		234,917		'	'
Accrued interest payable	186,492		367,686		'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	24,418		57,466		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives	22,703		21,479		'	'
Other current liabilities	157,025		156,781		'	'
Total current liabilities	573,577		838,329		'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	15,262,996		15,846,728		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	153,904		172,663		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	888,239		834,161		'	'
Deferred income taxes	202,638		286,673		'	'
Accrued retirement benefits	196,856		299,187		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	246,127		300,195		'	'
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'		'		'	'
Common shares	1,060	[1]	832	[1]	'	'
Preferred shares	35		'		'	'
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	-935,762		-1,312,922		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	16,589,670		17,265,846		'	'
Intelsat S.A. and Other Parent Guarantors [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	3,792		81		2,535	12,927
Receivables, net of allowance	'		27		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,272		525		'	'
Total current assets	5,064		633		'	'
Investment in affiliates	-428,647		-403,878		'	'
Other assets	88		9,741		'	'
Total assets	-423,495		-393,504		'	'
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	28,795		81,129		'	'
Accrued interest payable	'		3,840		'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	'		868		'	'
Intercompany payables	441,907		504,460		'	'
Total current liabilities	470,702		590,297		'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	'		328,238		'	'
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'		'		'	'
Common shares	1,060		832		'	'
Preferred shares	35		'		'	'
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	-895,292		-1,312,871		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	-423,495		-393,504		'	'
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	139		91		908	10,017
Receivables, net of allowance	'		4		'	'
Intercompany receivables	'		6,838		'	'
Total current assets	139		6,933		'	'
Investment in affiliates	3,053,901		5,085,284		'	'
Other assets	41,497		84,402		'	'
Total assets	3,095,537		5,176,619		'	'
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	32		'		'	'
Accrued interest payable	22,500		227,953		'	'
Intercompany payables	206		'		'	'
Total current liabilities	22,738		227,953		'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,500,000		5,307,986		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	'		41,760		'	'
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'		'		'	'
Common shares	7,202		669,036		'	'
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	-434,403		-1,070,116		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	3,095,537		5,176,619		'	'
Intelsat Jackson [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	193,090		133,379		240,175	595,472
Receivables, net of allowance	160,023		229,667		'	'
Deferred income taxes	46,228		92,806		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	25,846		27,871		'	'
Intercompany receivables	421,504		612,341		'	'
Total current assets	846,691		1,096,064		'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,698,952		6,111,636		'	'
Goodwill	6,780,827		6,780,827		'	'
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,458,100		2,458,100		'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net	568,775		651,087		'	'
Investment in affiliates	227,320		213,001		'	'
Other assets	362,636		296,410		'	'
Total assets	16,943,301		17,607,125		'	'
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	132,454		168,823		'	'
Accrued interest payable	163,820		135,623		'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	'		32,180		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives	21,089		20,224		'	'
Other current liabilities	154,014		153,857		'	'
Total current liabilities	471,377		510,707		'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	11,762,996		10,186,086		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	153,023		170,684		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	887,446		845,327		'	'
Deferred income taxes	191,298		266,340		'	'
Accrued retirement benefits	196,657		299,187		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	226,603		243,510		'	'
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'		'		'	'
Common shares	3,466,429		4,322,518		'	'
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	-412,528		762,766		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	16,943,301		17,607,125		'	'
Intelsat Jackson Subsidiaries Guarantors [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	167,800		131,107		237,906	468,867
Receivables, net of allowance	159,656		229,298		'	'
Deferred income taxes	46,228		92,806		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	25,794		27,821		'	'
Intercompany receivables	386,820		3,178,865		'	'
Total current assets	786,298		3,659,897		'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	5,698,952		6,111,636		'	'
Goodwill	6,780,827		6,780,827		'	'
Non-amortizable intangible assets	2,458,100		2,458,100		'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net	568,775		651,087		'	'
Investment in affiliates	227,320		213,001		'	'
Other assets	222,679		184,574		'	'
Total assets	16,742,951		20,059,122		'	'
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	130,178		168,248		'	'
Accrued interest payable	2,458		2,288		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives	21,089		20,224		'	'
Other current liabilities	152,772		146,611		'	'
Total current liabilities	306,497		337,371		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	153,023		170,684		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	887,446		845,327		'	'
Deferred income taxes	191,298		266,340		'	'
Accrued retirement benefits	196,657		299,187		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	179,025		176,193		'	'
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'		'		'	'
Common shares	9,023,860		8,773,388		'	'
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	5,805,145		9,190,632		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	16,742,951		20,059,122		'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	50,769		53,934		53,106	80,126
Receivables, net of allowance	76,324		89,111		'	'
Deferred income taxes	-1,753		1,973		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,738		12,923		'	'
Intercompany receivables	20,609		'		'	'
Total current assets	152,687		157,941		'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	147,106		259,650		'	'
Investment in affiliates	'		10		'	'
Other assets	10,371		20,138		'	'
Total assets	310,164		437,739		'	'
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	22,290		24,170		'	'
Accrued interest payable	172		270		'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	24,418		24,418		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives	1,614		1,255		'	'
Other current liabilities	3,011		4,257		'	'
Intercompany payables	'		114,719		'	'
Total current liabilities	51,505		169,089		'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	'		24,418		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	881		1,979		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	793		3,498		'	'
Deferred income taxes	11,388		14,627		'	'
Accrued retirement benefits	199		'		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	19,524		14,925		'	'
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'		'		'	'
Common shares	24		24		'	'
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	225,850		209,179		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	310,164		437,739		'	'
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	-167,800		-131,107		-237,906	-468,867
Receivables, net of allowance	-159,656		-265,893		'	'
Deferred income taxes	-46,228		-92,806		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-26,426		-30,432		'	'
Intercompany receivables	-828,933		-3,798,044		'	'
Total current assets	-1,229,043		-4,318,282		'	'
Satellites and other property and equipment, net	-5,739,470		-6,127,730		'	'
Goodwill	-6,780,827		-6,780,827		'	'
Non-amortizable intangible assets	-2,458,100		-2,458,100		'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net	-568,775		-651,087		'	'
Investment in affiliates	-3,079,894		-5,106,408		'	'
Other assets	-222,679		-178,821		'	'
Total assets	-20,078,788		-25,621,255		'	'
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-130,810		-207,453		'	'
Accrued interest payable	-2,458		-2,288		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives	-21,089		-20,224		'	'
Other current liabilities	-152,772		-147,944		'	'
Intercompany payables	-442,113		-619,179		'	'
Total current liabilities	-749,242		-997,088		'	'
Deferred satellite performance incentives, net of current portion	-153,023		-170,684		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	-887,446		-859,991		'	'
Deferred income taxes	-191,346		-260,634		'	'
Accrued retirement benefits	-196,657		-299,187		'	'
Other long-term liabilities	-179,025		-176,193		'	'
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'		'		'	'
Common shares	-12,497,515		-13,764,966		'	'
Other shareholders' equity (deficit)	-5,224,534		-9,092,512		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	($20,078,788)		($25,621,255)		'	'
[1]	Common shares and paid-in capital amounts reflect the retroactive impact of the former Class A and Class B share reclassification into common shares and the share splits related to our Initial Public Offering. See Note 1-Background of Company-Initial Public Offering for further discussion.

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin4

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$642,848	$651,844	$653,803	$655,127	$672,368	$654,946	$638,668	$644,169	$2,603,623	$2,610,152	$2,588,426
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	375,769	415,900	417,179
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	288,467	204,025	208,381
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	736,567	764,903	769,440
(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,064	39,935	24,635
Gain on satellite insurance recoveries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,618	'	'
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,399,249	1,424,763	1,419,635
Income (loss) from operations	330,604	308,082	255,638	310,049	311,611	300,959	281,543	291,275	1,204,374	1,185,389	1,168,791
Interest (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,114,197	1,270,848	1,310,563
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	-366,800	'	-24,300	'	-43,400	'	-368,089	-73,542	-326,183
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,658
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,918	-10,128	1,955
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-282,830	-169,129	-490,658
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-30,837	-19,631	-55,393
Net income (loss)	73,615	88,574	-407,266	-6,916	-4,755	-35,349	-84,328	-25,067	-251,993	-149,498	-435,265
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,687	-1,639	1,106
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	72,631	87,798	-408,305	-7,804	-5,750	-35,430	-84,710	-25,248	-255,680	-151,137	-434,159
Intelsat S.A. and Other Parent Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,221
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,861	4,247	5,883
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,861	4,247	5,883
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-62,861	-4,247	-662
Interest (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,916	67,377	73,994
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,185	'	-78,960
Subsidiary income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-85,180	-58,552	-280,453
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7	-13	10
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-213,149	-130,189	-434,059
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-213,149	-130,189	-434,059
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-213,149	-130,189	-434,059
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,167	25,264	25,302
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,167	25,264	25,302
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,167	-25,264	-25,302
Interest (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	438,052	610,771	612,560
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	-232,100	'	'	'	'	'	-341,351	'	'
Subsidiary income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	728,465	587,519	370,051
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1	-1
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-59,105	-48,517	-267,812
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-59,105	-48,517	-267,812
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-59,105	-48,517	-267,812
Intelsat Jackson [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,382,169	2,318,470	2,292,284
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	266,869	271,230	262,753
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	155,035	124,695	128,301
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	705,165	726,224	737,413
(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,064	37,963	19,804
Gain on satellite insurance recoveries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,618	'	'
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,125,515	1,160,112	1,148,271
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,256,654	1,158,358	1,144,013
Interest (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	636,774	581,687	613,080
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	-110,300	'	'	'	-43,400	'	-2,553	-67,709	-247,223
Subsidiary income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,409	25,510	57,280
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,658
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	577	18,944	-14,404
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	688,313	553,416	301,928
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-40,152	-34,103	-68,123
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	728,465	587,519	370,051
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	728,465	587,519	370,051
Intelsat Jackson Subsidiaries Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,382,201	2,318,479	2,292,289
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	266,869	291,757	262,753
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	152,961	123,465	127,351
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	705,165	709,120	737,413
(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,461
Gain on satellite insurance recoveries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,618	'	'
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,115,377	1,124,342	1,123,056
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,266,824	1,194,137	1,169,233
Interest (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,042	-223,283	19,106
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-218,260
Subsidiary income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,409	25,510	57,280
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,658
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,772	18,951	-14,404
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,390,047	1,461,881	950,085
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-38,819	-34,103	-68,123
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,428,866	1,495,984	1,018,208
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,428,866	1,495,984	1,018,208
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	663,354	732,274	695,652
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	504,983	585,263	559,142
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,469	49,819	48,908
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,623	40,061	32,657
(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,972	4,831
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	602,075	677,115	645,538
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	61,279	55,159	50,114
Interest (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,545	11,013	10,929
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,833	'
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,488	-6,724	17,125
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	57,336	31,589	56,310
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,315	14,475	12,777
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	48,021	17,114	43,533
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,687	-1,639	1,106
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,334	15,475	44,639
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,824,101	-2,759,071	-2,697,020
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct costs of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-662,952	-732,350	-667,469
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-153,026	-123,465	-127,364
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-708,386	-710,502	-738,043
(Gains) losses on derivative financial instruments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,461
Gain on satellite insurance recoveries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,618	'	'
Total operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,514,746	-1,566,317	-1,528,415
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,309,355	-1,192,754	-1,168,605
Interest (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,042	223,283	-19,106
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	218,260
Subsidiary income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-784,103	-579,987	-204,158
Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,658
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-42,772	-41,285	13,629
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,146,272	-2,037,309	-1,097,110
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,819	34,100	68,076
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,185,091	-2,071,409	-1,165,186
Net income (loss) attributable to Intelsat S.A.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($2,185,091)	($2,071,409)	($1,165,186)

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin5

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	$716,892	$821,310	$915,897
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	-600,792	-866,016	-844,688
Proceeds from insurance settlements	487,930	'	'
Proceeds from sale of building, net of fees	'	82,415	'
Payment on satellite performance incentives from insurance proceeds	-19,199	'	'
Capital contributions to previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	-12,209
Other investing activities	-2,000	'	16,466
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-134,061	-783,601	-840,431
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-6,904,162	-2,474,811	-6,331,144
Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders	-868	-1,683	-3,425
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt	-311,224	-65,920	-171,047
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	6,254,688	2,451,521	6,119,425
Debt issuance costs	-84,845	-27,384	-70,091
Proceeds from initial public offering	572,500	'	'
Stock issuance costs	-26,683	'	'
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-5,235	'	'
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	-17,503	-15,969	-14,111
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest	12,209	12,209	'
Noncontrolling interest in New Dawn	'	'	1,734
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	-8,671	-8,838	'
Repurchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	-8,744	'
Other financing activities	3,271	'	-10,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-516,523	-139,619	-478,659
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-6,003	-7,329	1,375
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	60,305	-109,239	-401,818
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	187,485	296,724	698,542
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	247,790	187,485	296,724
Intelsat S.A. and Other Parent Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	-108,561	-40,535	-45,232
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	-23,644	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-11,436	-5,549	-3,550
Dividend from affiliates	20,181	32,481	564,334
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-14,899	26,932	560,784
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-353,550	'	-485,841
Repayment of notes payable to former shareholders	-868	-1,683	-3,425
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt	-9,395	'	-36,770
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing	-52,391	12,845	10,082
Proceeds from initial public offering	572,500	'	'
Stock issuance costs	-26,683	'	'
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-5,235	'	'
Other financing activities	2,800	'	-10,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	127,178	11,162	-525,954
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-7	-13	10
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	3,711	-2,454	-10,392
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	81	2,535	12,927
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,792	81	2,535
Intelsat Luxembourg [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	-622,489	-626,653	-557,340
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-17,248	'	'
Dividend from affiliates	524,812	658,318	1,112,567
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	507,564	658,318	1,112,567
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-5,307,986	'	'
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt	-301,762	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	3,500,000	'	'
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing	2,289,335	'	'
Debt issuance costs	-44,433	'	'
Dividends to shareholders	-20,181	-32,481	-564,334
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	114,973	-32,481	-564,334
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	-1	-2
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	48	-817	-9,109
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	91	908	10,017
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	139	91	908
Intelsat Jackson [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	1,406,174	1,320,065	1,502,656
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	-591,762	-857,311	-792,220
Proceeds from insurance settlements	487,930	'	'
Proceeds from sale of building, net of fees	'	82,415	'
Payment on satellite performance incentives from insurance proceeds	-19,199	'	'
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	-2,223,001	10,435	7,579
Capital contributions to previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	-12,209
Investment in subsidiaries	-324	208	-6,671
Dividend from affiliates	9,811	17,423	24,730
Other investing activities	-2,000	'	15,518
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,338,545	-746,830	-763,273
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-1,218,208	-2,364,508	-5,845,303
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt	-67	-65,920	-134,277
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	2,754,688	2,451,521	6,083,750
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing	20,151	'	-787
Debt issuance costs	-40,412	-27,384	-70,091
Capital contribution from parent	17,248	'	'
Dividends to shareholders	-524,812	-658,318	-1,112,567
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	-16,509	-14,833	-13,482
Other financing activities	471	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	992,550	-679,442	-1,092,757
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-468	-589	-1,923
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	59,711	-106,796	-355,297
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	133,379	240,175	595,472
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	193,090	133,379	240,175
Intelsat Jackson Subsidiaries Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	1,785,702	1,379,396	1,843,165
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	-591,762	-857,311	-792,220
Proceeds from insurance settlements	487,930	'	'
Proceeds from sale of building, net of fees	'	82,415	'
Payment on satellite performance incentives from insurance proceeds	-19,199	'	'
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	-593,753	-221,460	-151,313
Capital contributions to previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	-12,209
Investment in subsidiaries	-324	208	-6,671
Dividend from affiliates	9,811	17,423	24,730
Other investing activities	-2,000	'	15,518
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-709,297	-978,725	-922,165
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	'	'	-5,289,423
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	-108,163
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing	-44,111	'	110,940
Capital contribution from parent	45,062	57,657	5,061,999
Dividends to shareholders	-1,024,160	-549,712	-911,907
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	-16,509	-14,833	-13,482
Other financing activities	471	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-1,039,247	-506,888	-1,150,036
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-465	-582	-1,925
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	36,693	-106,799	-230,961
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	131,107	237,906	468,867
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	167,800	131,107	237,906
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	41,767	168,433	18,127
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	-9,030	-8,705	-54,782
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	3,493	'	787
Other investing activities	'	'	948
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-5,537	-8,705	-53,047
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-24,418	-110,303	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	'	35,675
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing	-13,943	-23,280	-17,661
Capital contribution from parent	11,760	5,341	10,221
Dividends to shareholders	-9,811	-17,423	-24,730
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	-993	-1,136	-629
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest	12,209	12,209	'
Noncontrolling interest in New Dawn	'	'	1,734
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	-8,671	-8,838	'
Repurchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	-8,744	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-33,867	-152,174	4,610
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5,528	-6,726	3,290
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-3,165	828	-27,020
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,934	53,106	80,126
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	50,769	53,934	53,106
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	-1,785,701	-1,379,396	-1,845,479
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Payments for satellites and other property and equipment (including capitalized interest)	591,762	857,311	794,534
Proceeds from insurance settlements	-487,930	'	'
Proceeds from sale of building, net of fees	'	-82,415	'
Payment on satellite performance incentives from insurance proceeds	19,199	'	'
Repayment from (disbursements for) intercompany loans	2,836,905	211,025	142,947
Capital contributions to previously unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	12,209
Investment in subsidiaries	29,332	5,133	16,892
Dividend from affiliates	-564,615	-725,645	-1,726,361
Other investing activities	2,000	'	-15,518
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,426,653	265,409	-775,297
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	'	'	5,289,423
Payment of premium on early extinguishment of debt	'	'	108,163
Proceeds from (repayment of) intercompany borrowing	-2,199,041	10,435	-102,574
Capital contribution from parent	-74,070	-62,998	-5,072,220
Dividends to shareholders	1,578,964	1,257,934	2,613,538
Principal payments on deferred satellite performance incentives	16,508	14,833	13,482
Other financing activities	-471	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-678,110	1,220,204	2,849,812
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	465	582	1,925
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-36,693	106,799	230,961
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	-131,107	-237,906	-468,867
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	($167,800)	($131,107)	($237,906)

Recovered_Sheet1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Valuation allowance, Balance at Beginning of Period	$23,583	$20,830	$21,748
Valuation allowance, Charged to Costs and Expenses	29,599	8,911	5,129
Valuation allowance, Deductions	-17,894	-6,158	-6,047
Valuation allowance, Balance at End of Period	35,288	23,583	20,830
Restructuring Reserve [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Valuation allowance, Balance at Beginning of Period	'	'	1,073
Valuation allowance, Charged to Costs and Expenses	'	'	'
Valuation allowance, Deductions	'	'	-1,073
Valuation allowance, Balance at End of Period	'	'	'