Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Use Of Estimates In Preparation Of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported for the period. Actual results could differ from estimates.

Most of our satellite manufacturing revenue is associated with long-term contracts which require significant estimates. These estimates include forecasts of costs and schedules, estimating contract revenue related to contract performance (including performance incentives) and the potential for component obsolescence in connection with long-term procurements. Changes in estimates are typically the result of schedule changes that affect performance incentives and penalties, changes in contract scope, changes in new business forecasts that can affect the level of overhead allocated to a given contract and changes in estimates on contracts as a result of the complex nature of the satellites we manufacture. Changes in estimates are included in sales and cost of sales using the cumulative catch-up method, which recognizes the cumulative effect of changes in estimates on current and prior periods in the current period based on a contract's completion percentage. Provisions for losses on contracts are recorded when estimates determine that a loss will be incurred on a contract at completion. Under firm fixed-price contracts, work performed and products shipped are paid for at a fixed price without adjustment for actual costs incurred in connection with the contract; accordingly, favorable changes in estimates in a period will result in additional revenue and profit, and unfavorable changes in estimates will result in a reduction of revenue and profit or the recording of a loss that will be borne solely by us. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, cumulative catch up adjustments related to prior year activity as a result of changes in contract estimates increased operating income by $48 million, $59 million and $41 million, respectively, and diluted earnings per share by $0.90, $1.15 and $0.62, respectively.

Significant estimates also include the allowances for doubtful accounts and long-term receivables, estimated useful lives of our plant and equipment and finite lived intangible assets, the fair value of stock based compensation, the realization of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, the fair value of and gains or losses on derivative instruments and our pension liabilities.

Cash And Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash And Available For Sale Securities

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Available for Sale Securities

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $197.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and $23.8 million of restricted cash (included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheet). Cash and cash equivalents include liquid investments, primarily money market funds, with maturities of less than 90 days at the time of purchase and no redemption limitations. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and at each balance sheet date. Investments in publicly traded common stock are classified as available for sale securities. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Concentration Of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-process and long-term receivables. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high-credit-quality financial institutions. Historically, our customers have been primarily large multinational corporations and U.S. and foreign governments for which the creditworthiness was generally substantial. In recent years, we have added commercial customers which are highly leveraged, as well as those in the development stage which are partially funded. Management believes that its credit evaluation, approval and monitoring processes combined with contractual billing arrangements and our title interest in satellites under construction provide for management of potential credit risks with regard to our current customer base. However, swings in the global financial markets that include illiquidity, market volatility, changes in interest rates and currency exchange fluctuations can be difficult to predict and negatively affect certain customers' ability to make payments when due.

Billed Receivables And Long-Term Receivables

Billed Receivables and Long-Term Receivables

Financing receivables consist of billed and unbilled receivables which are included in contracts-in-process and unbilled orbital receivables and notes receivable from Telesat for consulting services which are included in long-term receivables.

We estimate the collectibility of our billed, unbilled and long-term receivables by assessing the current credit worthiness of each customer and related aging of past due balances. A billed receivable is considered past due when it remains unpaid beyond its stated billing terms which can range from 30-60 days. We evaluate specific accounts when we become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to a deterioration of its financial condition, credit ratings or bankruptcy. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established on a case-by-case basis based on the information available to us and is re-evaluated periodically.

Inventories

Inventories 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or fair value and consist principally of parts and subassemblies used in the manufacture of satellites which have not been specifically identified to contracts-in-process. Cost is determined using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) or average cost method  

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants. U.S. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets at the measurement date.

Level 2: Inputs represent a fair value that is derived from quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities, and pricing inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.

Level 3: Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	December 31, 2011						December 31, 2010
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)						(In thousands)
Assets
Cash equivalents
Money market funds	$	191,482	$	—	$	—	$	162,487	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale securities
Communications industry	$	531	$	—	$	—	$	1,427	$	—	$	—
Derivatives
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	4,548	$	—
Non-qualified pension plan assets	$	844	$	—	$	—	$	2,039	$	—	$	13
Liabilities
Derivatives
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	4,622	$	—	$	—	$	15,007	$	—

The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011.

Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Non-recurring Basis

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

We review the carrying values of our equity method investments when events and circumstances warrant and consider all available evidence in evaluating when declines in fair value are other than temporary. The fair values of our investments are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available and may include quoted market prices, market comparables and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its current fair value and is determined to be other than temporary.

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are generally stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. As of October 1, 2005, we adopted fresh-start accounting and our property, plant and equipment owned as of that date were recorded at their fair values. Depreciation is provided primarily on accelerated methods over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvements. Below are the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2011:

	Years
Land improvements	20
Buildings and building improvements	10 to 45
Leasehold improvements	2to 17
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	5to 10

Costs incurred in connection with the construction and deployment of Loral's portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite and related equipment were capitalized until these assets were sold in April 2011 (see Note 7). Such costs included direct contract costs, allocated indirect costs, launch costs, launch and in-orbit insurance costs and costs for gateway services equipment.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist primarily of internally developed software and technology and trade names all of which were recorded at fair value in connection with the adoption of fresh-start accounting. The fair values were calculated using several approaches that encompassed the use of excess earnings, relief from royalty and the build-up methods. The excess earnings, relief from royalty and build-up approaches are variations of the income approach. The income approach, more commonly known as the discounted cash flow approach, estimates fair value based on the cash flows that an asset can be expected to generate over its useful life. Identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Valuation Of Long-Lived Assets

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets of the Company, including intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. In connection with such review, the Company also re-evaluates the periods of depreciation and amortization for these assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value.

Contingencies

Contingencies

Contingencies by their nature relate to uncertainties that require management to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred as well as in estimating the amount of potential loss, if any. We accrue for costs relating to litigation, claims and other contingent matters when such liabilities become probable and reasonably estimable. Such estimates may be based on advice from third parties or on management's judgment, as appropriate. Actual amounts paid may differ from amounts estimated, and such differences will be charged to operations in the period in which the final determination of the liability is made

Treasury Stock

 Treasury Stock

In November 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 800,000 shares of our voting common stock. These purchases may be made from time to time in the open market or private transactions, as conditions may warrant. Under the repurchase program we purchased 136,494 shares of our voting common stock at a total cost of $8.4 million (an average price of $61.54 per share) during the year ended December 31, 2011.

We intend to hold repurchased shares of our voting common stock in treasury. We account for the treasury shares using the cost method.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from satellite sales under long-term fixed-price contracts is recognized using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method. Revenue includes the basic contract price and estimated amounts for penalties and performance incentives, including estimated orbital incentives discounted to their present value at launch date. Costs include the development effort required for the production of high-technology satellites, non-recurring engineering and design efforts in early periods of contract performance, as well as the cost of qualification testing requirements. Contracts are typically subject to termination for convenience or for default. If a contract is terminated for convenience by a customer or due to a customer's default, we are generally entitled to our costs incurred plus a reasonable profit.

Revenue under cost-reimbursable type contracts is recognized as costs are incurred; incentive fees are estimated and recognized over the contract term.

U.S. government contract risks include dependence on future appropriations and administrative allotment of funds and changes in government policies. Costs incurred under U.S. government contracts are subject to audit. Management believes the results of such audits will not have a material effect on Loral's financial position or its results of operations.

Losses on contracts are recognized when determined. Revisions in profit estimates are reflected in the period in which the conditions that require the revision become known and are estimable. In accordance with industry practice, contracts-in-process include unbilled amounts relating to contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of which may not be billable within one year.

Research And Development

Research and Development

Research and development costs, which are expensed as incurred, were $34.2 million, $19.9 million, and $23.0 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments are included in the "Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges" as a component of other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated statements of equity to the extent of the effectiveness of such hedging instruments and reclassified to income in the same period or periods in which the hedge transaction impacts income. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the designated hedging instruments is included in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are included in the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 14).

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and the cost is recognized as expense ratably over the award's vesting period. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and other models as applicable to estimate the fair value of these awards. These models require us to make significant judgments regarding the assumptions used within the models, the most significant of which are the stock price volatility assumption, the expected life of the award, the risk-free rate of return and dividends during the expected term.

The Company estimates expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the grant date and recognizes compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. The forfeiture assumption is ultimately adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate. Therefore, changes in the forfeiture assumptions may affect the timing of the total amount of expense recognized over the vesting period. Estimated forfeitures are reassessed in each reporting period and may change based on new facts and circumstances. We emerged from bankruptcy on November 21, 2005, and as a result, we did not have sufficient stock price history upon which to base our volatility assumption for measuring our stock-based awards. In determining the volatility used in our models, we considered the volatility of the stock prices of selected companies in the satellite industry, the nature of those companies, our emergence from bankruptcy and other factors in determining our stock price volatility. We based our estimate of the average life of a stock-based award using the midpoint between the vesting and expiration dates. Our risk-free rate of return assumption for awards was based on term-matching, nominal, monthly U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates as of the date of grant. We assumed no dividends during the expected term.

SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights that are expected to be settled in cash or that contain an obligation to issue a variable number of shares based on the financial performance of SS/L are classified as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred Compensation

Deferred Compensation

Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization we entered into deferred compensation arrangements for certain key employees that generally vest over four years and expire after seven years. The initial deferred compensation awards were calculated by multiplying $9.44 by the number of shares of common stock underlying the stock options granted to these key employees (see Note 11). We accreted the liability through charges to expense over the vesting period. The value of the deferred compensation may increase or decrease depending on stock price performance within a defined range, until the occurrence of certain events, including the exercise of the related stock options, and vesting will accelerate if there is a change of control as defined. No deferred compensation was charged or credited to expense in 2011 and 2010 because the maximum award under the deferred compensation plan was reached in 2009 and maintained throughout 2010 and 2011. Deferred compensation charged to expense, net of estimated forfeitures, was $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2011, other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet included deferred compensation liabilities of $6.4 million.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Loral Space & Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxation on their worldwide income and foreign taxation on certain income from sources outside the United States. Telesat is subject to tax in Canada and other jurisdictions, and Loral will provide in operating earnings any additional U.S. current and deferred tax required on distributions received or deemed to be received from Telesat. Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial and income tax reporting and are measured by applying anticipated statutory tax rates in effect for the year during which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The tax effects of an uncertain tax position ("UTP") taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns are recognized only if it is "more likely-than-not" to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to UTPs in income tax expense on a quarterly basis.

The Company recognizes the benefit of a UTP in the period when it is effectively settled. Previously recognized tax positions are derecognized in the first period in which it is no longer more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained upon examination.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding during each period. Shares of non-voting common stock are in all respects identical to and treated equally with shares of voting common stock except for the absence of voting rights (other than as provided in Loral's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which was ratified by Loral's stockholders on May 19, 2009). Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding during each period, adjusted for the effect of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock units, restricted stock and SS/L phantom stock appreciation rights.

Additional Cash Flow Information

Additional Cash Flow Information

The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Non-cash operating items:
Equity in net income of affiliates	$	(106,329	)	$	(85,625	)	$	(210,298	)
Deferred taxes		69,223			(325,223	)		(192	)
Depreciation and amortization		32,509			33,732			39,796
Amortization of fair value adjustments related to orbital incentives		(1,024	)		(1,639	)		(664	)
Stock based compensation		1,180			2,548			7,514
Provisions for inventory obsolescence		—			4,297			1,042
Warranty expense accruals (reversals)		1,383			(1,437	)		(65	)
Provisions for bad debts on billed receivables		—			—			2,759
(Gain) loss on disposition of net assets		(6,453	)		84			—
Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss		876			(1,029	)		412
Unrealized gain on nonqualified pension plan assets		(157	)		(295	)		(831	)
Non-cash net interest expense (income)		354			(1,230	)		(1,582	)
Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions and contracts		6,212			(3,690	)		(2,676	)
Net non-cash operating items	$	(2,226	)	$	(379,507	)	$	(164,785	)
Non-cash investing activities:
Capital expenditures incurred not yet paid	$	7,766		$	2,782		$	3,091
Non-cash financing activities:
Issuance of restricted stock	$	—		$	—		$	1,591
Contributions by noncontrolling interest	$	—		$	134		$	—
Repurchase of voting common stock not yet paid	$	472		$	—		$	—
Capitalized lease obligation	$	2,243		$	—		$	—
Supplemental information:
Interest paid	$	1,649		$	1,991		$	2,164
Tax payments (refunds), net	$	5,937		$	573		$	(17,972	)