Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,466,921	$ 1,460,102
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(335,037)	(290,317)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	1,131,884	1,169,785
Internally Developed and Purchased Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	15,921	14,931
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	12,531	12,385
Land and Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	3,866	3,768
Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,672	1,644
Global Star System
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,432,931	1,427,374
Global Star System | Space Component
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	48,766	48,378
Global Star System | Second-generation satellites in service | Space Component
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,212,099	1,212,099
Global Star System | Prepaid long-lead items | Space Component
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	17,040	17,040
Global Star System | Second-generation satellite, on-ground spare | Space Component
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	32,365	32,365
Global Star System | Construction in Progress | Space Component
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	72
Global Star System | Construction in Progress | Ground Component
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	121,144	116,377
Global Star System | Construction in Progress | Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,445	$ 1,115