Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses	$ (16,038)	$ (28,774)	$ (18,345)
Gain on disposition of net assets			5,118
Operating income (loss)	(16,038)	(28,774)	(13,227)
Interest and investment income	1,238	1,928	3,143
Interest expense	(17)	(106)	(122)
Gain on litigation, net			4,535
Other income (expense)	(713)	(261)	(6,675)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(15,530)	(27,213)	(12,346)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(1,841)	93,315	(41,375)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(17,371)	66,102	(53,721)
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	38,827	34,340	106,329
Income (loss) from continuing operations	21,456	100,442	52,608
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax provision	(4,877)	320,649	74,566
Net income (loss)	16,579	421,091	127,174
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		231	(497)
Net income (loss) attributable to Loral common shareholders	$ 16,579	$ 421,322	$ 126,677
Basic
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.70	$ 3.27	$ 1.72
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (0.16)	$ 10.45	$ 2.41
Net income (loss)	$ 0.54	$ 13.72	$ 4.13
Diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.67	$ 3.22	$ 1.54
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (0.16)	$ 10.35	$ 2.38
Net income (loss)	$ 0.51	$ 13.57	$ 3.92
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	30,850	30,703	30,680
Diluted	30,999	30,991	31,166