Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses	$ (3,452)	$ (10,316)	$ (10,559)	$ (19,191)
Operating income (loss)	(3,452)	(10,316)	(10,559)	(19,191)
Interest and investment income	307	423	939	1,313
Interest expense	(5)	(30)	(13)	(87)
Other income (expense)	(215)	(2,875)	(586)	(3,498)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(3,365)	(12,798)	(10,219)	(21,463)
Income tax (provision) benefit	7,589	36,616	2,604	39,157
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	4,224	23,818	(7,615)	17,694
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	33,358	41,586	26,209	37,102
Income (loss) from continuing operations	37,582	65,404	18,594	54,796
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax provision	(1,987)	4,271	(4,352)	17,716
Net income (loss)	35,595	69,675	14,242	72,512
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		214		230
Net income (loss) attributable to Loral common shareholders	35,595	69,889	14,242	72,742
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	526	2,285	2,389	7,496
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Loral common shareholders	$ 36,121	$ 72,174	$ 16,631	$ 80,238
Basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 1.22	$ 2.13	$ 0.60	$ 1.79
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (0.06)	$ 0.14	$ (0.14)	$ 0.58
Net income (loss)	$ 1.16	$ 2.27	$ 0.46	$ 2.37
Diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 1.19	$ 2.05	$ 0.58	$ 1.76
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (0.06)	$ 0.14	$ (0.14)	$ 0.58
Net income (loss)	$ 1.13	$ 2.19	$ 0.44	$ 2.34
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	30,920	30,745	30,827	30,684
Diluted	31,004	30,997	30,997	30,980