Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012 Satellite Matters [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Satellite Matters [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Satellite Matters [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Sale Of SS/L [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Sale Of SS/L [Member] Indemnification Agreement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Sale Of SS/L [Member] Indemnification Agreement [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Globalstar do Brasil S.A. [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Globalstar do Brasil S.A. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Globalstar do Brasil S.A. [Member] Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Indemnification liabilities related to sale of SS/L								$ 16.0	$ 16.5
Restructuring costs			11.8
Restructuring costs paid	0.3	3.2	8.0
Restructuring Reserve for future payments	0.6	0.6
Indemnification liabilities												4.8
Loss contingency recorded											3.7
Loss Contingency Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease)										(0.9)
Maximum loss due to reduced satellite power					18.0
Occurence date of satellite anamoly					June 1, 2012
Satellite warranty expense				6.5
Payment towards contingency pursuant to purchase agreement						$ 6.5	$ 6.5
Date indemnification liability ends					Nov. 02, 2013