Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		$ 11,800,000
Restructuring costs paid	3,300,000	8,000,000
Restructuring Reserve for future payments	500,000	3,800,000
Sublease income	0	0	0
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Noncurrent	6,079,000	12,204,000
Sale of SS/L [Member] | Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Indemnification liabilities related to sale of SS/L	10,900,000	16,500,000
Globalstar do Brasil S.A. [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Loss contingency recorded	3,700,000
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Noncurrent	$ 1,300,000	$ 1,500,000