Earnings Per Share (Dilutive Impact of Telesat Stock Options on Loral's Reported Income from Continuing Operations) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations - basic	$ 65,404	$ (97,555)	$ 54,796	$ (39,524)
Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options	(1,890)		(207)
Income (loss) from continuing operations- diluted	$ 63,514	$ (97,555)	$ 54,589	$ (39,524)

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. Also defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.

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