Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 23,997	$ 87,370
Notes receivable	67,333	34,917
Income taxes receivable	11,577	571
Deferred tax assets	12,377	4,165
Other current assets	767	2,084
Total current assets	116,051	129,107
Property and equipment, net	92	42
Long-term receivables	33,667	67,333
Income taxes receivable	8,321
Investments in affiliates	91,565	62,517
Long-term deferred tax assets	93,468	117,381
Other assets	2,612	2,612
Total assets	345,776	378,992
Current liabilities:
Accrued employment costs	2,200	4,922
Income taxes payable		34,505
Other current liabilities	26,446	32,089
Total current liabilities	28,646	71,516
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	24,103	25,174
Long-term liabilities	97,620	95,841
Total liabilities	150,369	192,531
Commitments and contingencies
Loral shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, 0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common Stock:
Paid-in capital	1,019,579	1,027,266
Treasury stock (at cost) - voting common stock	(9,592)	(9,592)
Accumulated deficit	(779,886)	(794,128)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(35,005)	(37,394)
Total equity	195,407	186,461
Total liabilities and equity	345,776	378,992
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock:
Common stock, 0.01 par value	216	214
Non-voting Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock:
Common stock, 0.01 par value	$ 95	$ 95