Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite orbital performance payables current and non current	$ 22.9	$ 22.5
The remaining amount of satellite performance incentives and related interest that the Company may be required to pay under the satellite construction contract	$ 38.0

Maximum contractual obligation related to a contract(s) with a satellite manufacturer(s) (including amounts due to related-parties and non-related parties) for in-orbit performance incentive payments, including interest, commencing from the transfer of title of the satellite(s) to the Company, subject to continued satisfactory performance of the satellite(s), payable over a period as specified by the contract.

No definition available.

Name:	vsat_MaximumContractualSatelliteOrbitalPerformanceObligation
Namespace Prefix:	vsat_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration