Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 348,579	$ 69,675	$ (4,781)	$ 7,618	$ 107,051	[1]	$ (77,298)	[1]	$ 29,626	[1]	$ 67,795	[1]	$ 421,091	$ 127,174	$ 487,341
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives													1,306	5,447	(13,035)
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments													(580)	(535)	340
Post-retirement benefits													115,042	(50,648)	(17,251)
Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss)													1,313	(12,866)	(3,049)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax													117,081	(58,602)	(32,995)
Comprehensive income													538,172	68,572	454,346
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest													231	(497)	(495)
Comprehensive income attributable to Loral common shareholders													$ 538,403	$ 68,075	$ 453,851

[1] As a result of the Sale of SS/L on November 2, 2012, our 2011 selected quarterly financial information has been restated to reflect SS/L as a discontinued operation.