Basis Of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Use Of Estimates In Preparation Of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amount of income (loss) reported for the period. Actual results could differ from estimates.

Substantially all of our satellite manufacturing revenue included in discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was associated with long-term contracts which require significant estimates. These estimates included forecasts of costs and schedules, estimating contract revenue related to contract performance (including performance incentives) and the potential for component obsolescence in connection with long-term procurements. Changes in estimates were typically the result of schedule changes that affected performance incentives and penalties, changes in contract scope, changes in new business forecasts that affected the level of overhead allocated to a given contract and changes in estimates on contracts as a result of the complex nature of the satellites manufactured. Changes in estimates were determined using the cumulative catch-up method, which recognized the cumulative effect of changes in estimates on current and prior periods in the current period based on a contract’s completion percentage. Provisions for losses on contracts were recorded when estimates determined that a loss would be incurred on a contract at completion. Under firm fixed-price contracts, work performed and products shipped were paid for at a fixed price without adjustment for actual costs incurred in connection with the contract; accordingly, favorable changes in estimates in a period resulted in additional profit, and unfavorable changes in estimates resulted in a reduction of profit or the recording of a loss. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, cumulative catch up adjustments related to prior year activity as a result of changes in contract estimates (decreased) increased income from discontinued operations before income taxes by $(9) million, $48 million and  $59 million, respectively, and diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations by $(0.17),  $0.90 and  $1.15, respectively.

Significant estimates also included the allowances for doubtful accounts and long-term receivables, estimated useful lives of our plant and equipment and finite lived intangible assets, the fair value of stock based compensation, the realization of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, the fair value of and gains or losses on derivative instruments and our pension liabilities.

Cash And Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash And Available For Sale Securities

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Available for Sale Securities

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $87.4million of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include liquid investments, primarily money market funds, with maturities of less than 90 days at the time of purchase and no redemption limitations. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and at each balance sheet date. Investments in publicly traded common stock are classified as available for sale securities. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Concentration Of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high-credit-quality financial institutions.  

Billed Receivables And long-Term Receivables

Billed Receivables and Long-Term Receivables

Financing receivables as of December 31, 2012 consisted of the Land Note and notes receivable from Telesat for consulting services.Financing receivables as of December 31, 2011 consisted of billed and unbilled receivables at SS/Lwhich were included in contracts-in-process and unbilled orbital receivables and notes receivable from Telesat for consulting services which were included in long-term receivables.  

We estimate the collectibility of our receivables by assessing the current credit worthiness of each customer and related aging of past due balances. A billed receivable is considered past due when it remains unpaid beyond its stated billing terms which can range from 30-60 days. We evaluate specific accounts when we become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to a deterioration of its financial condition, credit ratings or bankruptcy. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established on a case-by-case basis based on the information available to us and is re-evaluated periodically.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2011 were valued at the lower of cost or fair value and consisted principally of parts and subassemblies used in the manufacture of satellites which had not been specifically identified to contracts-in-process. Cost was determined using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) or average cost method.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants. U.S. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets at the measurement date.

Level 2: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities, and pricing inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.

Level 3: Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	December 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	86,820	$	—	$	—	$	191,482	$	—	$	—
Note receivable
Land Note	$	—	$	—	$	101,000	$	—	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale securities
Communications industry	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	531	$	—	$	—
Non-qualified pension plan assets	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	844	$	—	$	—
Liabilities
Indemnifications
Sale of SS/L	$	—	$	—	$	16,528	$	—	$	—	$	—
Derivatives
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,622	$	—

The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The carrying amount of the Land Note approximates fair value because the stated interest rate is consistent with current market rates. The fair value of indemnifications related to the sale of SS/L was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation based on the potential probability weighted cash flows that would be a guarantor’s responsibility in an arm’s length transaction. Included in the above table as of December 31, 2011 are cash equivalents (money market funds) of $91.0 million and derivative liabilities (foreign exchange contracts) of $4.6 million related to discontinued operations. The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012.

Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Non-Recurring Basis

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

We review the carrying values of our equity method investments when events and circumstances warrant and consider all available evidence in evaluating when declines in fair value are other than temporary. The fair values of our investments are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available and may include quoted market prices, market comparables and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its current fair value and is determined to be other than temporary.

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are generally stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. As of October 1, 2005, we adopted fresh-start accounting and our property, plant and equipment owned as of that date were recorded at their fair values. Depreciation is provided primarily on accelerated methods over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvements. Below are the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2012:

	Years
Leasehold improvements	2 to 17
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	5 to 10

Costs incurred in connection with the construction and deployment of Loral’s portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite and related equipment were capitalized until these assets were sold in April 2011 (see Note 8). Such costs included direct contract costs, allocated indirect costs, launch costs, launch and in-orbit insurance costs and costs for gateway services equipment.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets as of December 31, 2011 consisted primarily of internally developed software and technology and trade names all of which were recorded at fair value in connection with the adoption of fresh-start accounting. The fair values were calculated using several approaches that encompassed the use of excess earnings, relief from royalty and the build-up methods. The excess earnings, relief from royalty and build-up approaches are variations of the income approach. The income approach, more commonly known as the discounted cash flow approach, estimates fair value based on the cash flows that an asset can be expected to generate over its useful life. Identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives were amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Valuation Of Long-Lived Assets

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets of the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. In connection with such review, the Company also re-evaluates the periods of depreciation and amortization for these assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value.

Contingencies

Contingencies

Contingencies by their nature relate to uncertainties that require management to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred as well as in estimating the amount of potential loss, if any. We accrue for costs relating to litigation, claims and other contingent matters when such liabilities become probable and reasonably estimable. Such estimates may be based on advice from third parties or on management’s judgment, as appropriate. Actual amounts paid may differ from amounts estimated, and such differences will be charged to operations in the period in which the final determination of the liability is made.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from satellite sales under long-term fixed-price contracts was recognized using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method and is included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. Revenue includes the basic contract price and estimated amounts for penalties and performance incentives, including estimated orbital incentives discounted to their present value at launch date. Costs include the development effort required for the production of high-technology satellites, non-recurring engineering and design efforts in early periods of contract performance, as well as the cost of qualification testing requirements.

Revenue under cost-reimbursable type contracts was recognized as costs were incurred and is included in income from discontinued operations; incentive fees were estimated and recognized over the contract term.

Losses on contracts were recognized in income from discontinued operations when determined. Revisions in profit estimates were reflected in income from discontinued operations in the period in which the conditions that required the revision became known and were estimable. In accordance with industry practice, contracts-in-process as of December 31, 2011 included unbilled amounts relating to contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of which may not have been billable within one year.

Research And Development

Research and Development

Research and development costs, which were expensed as incurred, were $20.1 million,$34.2 million and  $19.9 million, for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and were included in income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments are included in the “Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges” as a component of other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated statements of equity to the extent of the effectiveness of such hedging instruments and reclassified to income in the same period or periods in which the hedge transaction impacts income. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the designated hedging instruments is included in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are included in the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 16).

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and the cost is recognized as expense ratably over the award’s vesting period. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and other models as applicable to estimate the fair value of these awards. These models require us to make significant judgments regarding the assumptions used within the models, the most significant of which are the stock price volatility assumption, the expected life of the award, the risk-free rate of return and dividends during the expected term.

The Company estimates expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the grant date and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. The forfeiture assumption is ultimately adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate. Therefore, changes in the forfeiture assumptions may affect the timing of the total amount of expense recognized over the vesting period. Estimated forfeitures are reassessed in each reporting period and may change based on new facts and circumstances. We emerged from bankruptcy on November 21, 2005, and as a result, we did not have sufficient stock price history upon which to base our volatility assumption for measuring our stock-based awards. In determining the volatility used in our models, we considered the volatility of the stock prices of selected companies in the satellite industry, the nature of those companies, our emergence from bankruptcy and other factors in determining our stock price volatility. We based our estimate of the average life of a stock-based award using the midpoint between the vesting and expiration dates. Our risk-free rate of return assumption for awards was based on term-matching, nominal, monthly U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates as of the date of grant. We assumed no dividends during the expected term.

SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights that are expected to be settled in cash or that contain an obligation to issue a variable number of shares based on the financial performance of SS/L are classified as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred Compensation

Deferred Compensation

Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, we entered into deferred compensation arrangements for certain key employees that generally vested over four years. The initial deferred compensation awards were calculated by multiplying $9.44 by the number of shares of common stock underlying the stock options granted to these key employees (see Note 13). We accreted the liability through charges to expense over the vesting period. The value of the deferred compensation increased or decreased depending on stock price performance within a defined range, until the occurrence of certain events, including the exercise of the related stock options. No deferred compensation was charged or credited to expense in 2012, 2011 and 2010 because the maximum award under the deferred compensation plan was reached in 2009 and maintained throughout 2010, 2011 and 2012. In connection with the Sale, liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements with SS/L employees were retained by SS/L. All remaining deferred compensation arrangements expired in December 2012, resulting in cash payments in 2012 of $6.0 million, plus interest. As of December 31, 2011, other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet included deferred compensation liabilities of $6.4 million of which $2.7 million related to discontinued operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Loral Space & Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxation on their worldwide income and foreign taxation on certain income from sources outside the United States. Telesat is subject to tax in Canada and other jurisdictions, and Loral will provide in operating earnings any additional U.S. current and deferred tax required on distributions received or deemed to be received from Telesat. Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial and income tax reporting and are measured by applying anticipated statutory tax rates in effect for the year during which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The tax effects of an uncertain tax position (“UTP”) taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns are recognized only if it is “more likely-than-not” to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to UTPs in income tax expense on a quarterly basis.

The Company recognizes the benefit of a UTP in the period when it is effectively settled. Previously recognized tax positions are derecognized in the first period in which it is no longer more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained upon examination.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding during each period.  Shares of non-voting common stock are in all respects identical to and treated equally with shares of voting common stock except for the absence of voting rights (other than as provided in Loral’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which was ratified by Loral’s stockholders on May 19, 2009).  Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding during each period, adjusted for the effect of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock units, restricted stock and SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights.

Additional Cash Flow Information

Additional Cash Flow Information

The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Non-cash operating items:
Equity in net income of affiliates	$	(34,340)	$	(106,329)	$	(85,625)
Deferred taxes		22,003		40,468		(328,226)
Depreciation and amortization		62		115		178
Stock based compensation		1,072		1,060		1,427
Gain on disposition of net assets		—		(6,913)		—
Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss		(8,224)		250		68
Unrealized gain on nonqualified pension plan assets		(108)		(157)		(295)
Gain on disposition of available-for-sale securities		(202)		—		—
Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions and contracts		(1,316)		71		—
Net non-cash operating items-continuing operations	$	(21,053)	$	(71,435)	$	(412,473)
Non-cash operating items – discontinued operations	$	(346,377)	$	69,209	$	32,966
Non-cash investing activities:
Note received from land sale	$	101,000		—	$	—
Capital expenditures incurred not yet paid-discontinued operations	$	—		7,766	$	2,782
Non-cash financing activities:
Contributions by noncontrolling interest	$	—	$	—	$	134
Repurchase of voting common stock not yet paid	$	—	$	472	$	—
Capitalized lease obligation-discontinued operations	$	—	$	2,243	$	—
Supplemental information:
Interest paid-continuing operations	$	106	$	145	$	183
Interest paid – discontinued operations	$	1,841	$	1,504	$	1,808
Tax payments, net	$	122	$	5,937	$	573

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220) – Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  ASU No. 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2013, requires changes in presentation only and will not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  ASU No. 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The amendments are effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2012, requires changes in presentation which have been included in ourconsolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (ASC Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.  ASU No. 2011-04 amends current fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to include increased transparency around valuation inputs and investment categorization.  The changes to the ASC as a result of this update are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.This guidance was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2012and did nothave a significant impact on ourconsolidated financial statements.