Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 509,278		$ 197,114
Contracts-in-process	198,479		159,261
Inventories	84,210		77,301
Deferred tax assets	67,070		67,070
Other current assets	14,467		15,038
Total current assets	873,504		515,784
Property, plant and equipment, net	206,398		203,722
Restricted cash	73,801		23,800
Long-term receivables	366,959		362,688
Investments in affiliates	78,203		446,235
Intangible assets, net	7,446		8,179
Long-term deferred tax assets	255,497		263,363
Other assets	12,214		12,382
Total assets	1,874,022	[1]	1,836,153	[1]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	111,880		90,323
Accrued employment costs	50,509		59,897
Customer advances and billings in excess of costs and profits	254,921		227,485
Dividend payable	417,606
Other current liabilities	21,904		25,265
Total current liabilities	856,820		402,970
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	308,127		311,273
Long-term liabilities	173,271		174,325
Total liabilities	1,338,218		888,568
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common Stock:
Paid-in capital	1,010,133		1,014,724
Treasury stock (at cost), 136,494 shares of voting common stock	(8,400)		(8,400)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(315,672)		94,303
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(151,678)		(154,475)
Total shareholders' equity attributable to Loral	534,691		946,459
Noncontrolling interest	1,113		1,126
Total equity	535,804		947,585
Total liabilities and equity	1,874,022		1,836,153
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock:
Common stock	213		212
Total equity	213		212
Non-Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock:
Common stock	95		95
Total equity	$ 95		$ 95

[1] Amounts are presented after the elimination of intercompany profit.