Loral Space & Communications 10-Q 4 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 28, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	lorl
Entity Registrant Name	LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,006,269
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,427,078
Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,505,673

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 42,701	$ 58,853
Other current assets	2,998	2,979
Total current assets	45,699	61,832
Investments in affiliates	114,321
Long-term deferred tax assets	117,333	152,676
Other assets	68	110
Total assets	277,421	214,618
Current liabilities:
Accrued employment costs	1,839	2,376
Other current liabilities	6,847	12,055
Total current liabilities	8,686	14,431
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	16,735	18,119
Long-term liabilities	72,875	73,578
Total liabilities	98,296	106,128
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, 0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common Stock:
Paid-in capital	1,020,129	1,020,129
Accumulated deficit	(814,314)	(873,660)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(17,409)	(28,698)
Total shareholders' equity	179,125	108,490
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	277,421	214,618
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock:
Common stock, 0.01 par value	216	216
Treasury stock (at cost), 154,494 shares of voting common stock	(9,592)	(9,592)
Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock:
Common stock, 0.01 par value	$ 95	$ 95

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,581,572	21,581,572
Treasury stock, shares	154,494	154,494
Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,505,673	9,505,673
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,505,673	9,505,673

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses	$ (1,709)	$ (1,652)	$ (4,900)	$ (5,349)
Operating income (loss)	(1,709)	(1,652)	(4,900)	(5,349)
Interest and investment income	44	15	140	119
Interest expense	(6)	(5)	(15)	(13)
Other income (expense)	(187)	(164)	(1,306)	(3,248)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(1,858)	(1,806)	(6,081)	(8,491)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(8,911)	36,934	(31,066)	30,901
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	(10,769)	35,128	(37,147)	22,410
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	6,948	(38,475)	96,799	(90,233)
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(3,821)	(3,347)	59,652	(67,823)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax provision	(71)	(208)	(306)	(574)
Net (loss) income	(3,892)	(3,555)	59,346	(68,397)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,713	(698)	11,289	664
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (2,179)	$ (4,253)	$ 70,635	$ (67,733)
Net income (loss) per share: Basic
(Loss) income from continuing operations	$ (0.12)	$ (0.11)	$ 1.93	$ (2.19)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.02)
Net (loss) income	(0.12)	(0.12)	1.92	(2.21)
Net income (loss) per share: Diluted
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(0.12)	(0.11)	1.85	(2.19)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.02)
Net (loss) income	$ (0.12)	$ (0.12)	$ 1.84	$ (2.21)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	30,933	30,933	30,933	30,926
Diluted	30,933	30,933	31,008	30,926

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Voting Common Stock [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 216	$ 95	$ 1,017,520	$ (9,592)	$ (803,378)	$ (29,221)	$ 175,640
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	21,569	9,506		154
Net income (loss)					(70,282)
Other comprehensive income (loss)						523
Comprehensive income (loss)							(69,759)
Settlement of restricted stock units
Settlement of restricted stock units, shares	13
Tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation			2,609				2,609
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 216	$ 95	1,020,129	$ (9,592)	(873,660)	(28,698)	108,490
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	21,582	9,506		154
Net income (loss)					59,346			$ 59,346
Other comprehensive income (loss)						11,289		11,289
Comprehensive income (loss)							70,635	$ 70,635
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 216	$ 95	$ 1,020,129	$ (9,592)	$ (814,314)	$ (17,409)	$ 179,125
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016	21,582	9,506		154

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 59,346	$ (68,397)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax provision	306	574
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Non-cash operating items (Note 2)	(67,060)	58,069
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other current assets and other assets	(107)	(38)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(578)	(948)
Income taxes receivable and payable	88	(3,091)
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	(1,384)	(3,404)
Long-term liabilities	1,665	735
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - continuing operations	(7,724)	(16,500)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations	(8,428)	(8,920)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(16,152)	(25,420)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(102)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations		(102)
Receipt of principal, Land Note - discontinued operations		33,667
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		33,565
Financing activities:
Adjustment to tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation		2,570
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - continuing operations		2,570
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		2,570
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(16,152)	10,715
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	58,853	51,433
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$ 42,701	$ 62,148

Organization and Principal Busi

Organization and Principal Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization and Principal Business [Abstract]
Organization and Principal Business	1. Organization and Principal Business  Loral Space & Communications Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Loral,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”) is a leading satellite communications company engaged, through our ownership interests in affiliates, in satellite-based communications services.  Description of Business  Loral has one operating segment consisting of satellite-based communications services. Loral participates in satellite services operations through its ownership interest in Telesat Holdings Inc. which owns Telesat Canada, a global satellite services operator. We refer, as the context requires, to each or both of Telesat Holdings Inc. and Telesat Canada as “Telesat.” Telesat owns and leases a satellite fleet that operates in geosynchronous earth orbit approximately 22,000 miles above the equator. In this orbit, satellites remain in a fixed position relative to points on the earth’s surface and provide reliable, high-bandwidth services anywhere in their coverage areas, serving as the backbone for many forms of telecommunications.  Loral holds a 62.7% economic interest and a 32.7 % voting interest in Telesat (see Note 6). We use the equity method of accounting for our ownership interest in Telesat.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	2. Basis of Presentation  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in our opinion, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position and cash flows as of the balance sheet dates presented and for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules. We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to keep the information presented from being misleading. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  The December 31, 2015 balance sheet has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  Discontinued Operations  On November 2, 2012, Loral completed the sale (the “Sale”) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc.) (“SS/L”), to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (“MDA Holdings”), a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”). Pursuant to the purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 26, 2012, as amended on October 30, 2012 and March 28, 2013, by and among Loral, SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, Loral agreed to indemnify MDA and its affiliates from (1) liabilities with respect to certain pre-closing taxes; and (2) certain damages and legal expenses stemming from a lawsuit (the “ViaSat Suit”) brought in 2012 by ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) against Loral and SS/L (see Note 14).  Adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations and interest expense that are directly related to the Sale are classified as discontinued operations in the statements of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.  Investments in Affiliates  Ownership interests in Telesat and XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income and losses of affiliates are recorded based on our beneficial interest. Our equity in net income or loss also reflects amortization of profits eliminated, to the extent of our economic interest in Telesat and XTAR, on satellites we constructed for them while we owned SS/L and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets. Equity in losses of affiliates is not recognized after the carrying value of an investment, including advances and loans, has been reduced to zero, unless guarantees or other funding obligations exist. The Company monitors its equity method investments for factors indicating other-than-temporary impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when there has been a loss in value of the affiliate that is other-than-temporary. As discussed in Note 6, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded an increase in our equity in net income of affiliates of $3.0 million ( $1.8 million net of tax), which represents our proportionate share of equity in net income of Telesat that should have been recognized in prior periods.  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 amount of income (loss) reported for the period. Actual results could materially differ from estimates.  Significant estimates also included the allowances for doubtful accounts, income taxes, including the valuation of deferred tax assets, the fair value of liabilities indemnified and our pension liabilities.  Cash and Cash Equivalents  As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $42.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include liquid investments, primarily money market funds, with original maturities of less than 90 days at the time of purchase. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and at each balance sheet date.  Concentration of Credit Risk  Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and receivables. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high-credit-quality financial institutions. As a result, management believes that its potential credit risks are minimal.  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  The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Assets  Cash and cash equivalents  Money market funds $ 40,264 $ — $ — $ 53,129 $ — $ —  Other current assets:  Indemnification - Sale of SS/L — — 1,953 — — 1,953  Liabilities  Long-term liabilities  Indemnification - Globalstar do Brasil S.A. $ — $ — $ 967 $ — $ — $ 1,006  The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value as of each reporting date because of the short maturity of those instruments.  The asset resulting from the indemnification of SS/L is for certain pre-closing taxes and reflects the excess of payments since inception over the estimated liability, which was originally determined using the fair value objective approach. The estimated liability for indemnifications relating to Globalstar do Brasil S.A. (“GdB”), originally determined using expected value analysis, is net of payments since inception.  The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  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.  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.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements  In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) , a consensus of the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force. The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance relevant to the Company provides an accounting policy election for classifying distributions received from equity method investments. Such amounts can be classified using (i) a cumulative earnings approach, or (ii) a nature of distribution approach. Under the cumulative earnings approach, an investor compares the distributions received to such investor’s cumulative equity method earnings since inception. Any distributions received up to the amount of cumulative equity earnings are considered a return on investment and classified in operating activities. Any excess distributions are considered a return of investment and classified in investing activities. Alternatively, under the nature of distribution approach, an investor classifies the distributions based on the nature of activities of the investee that generated the distribution. If the necessary information is subsequently not available for an investee to determine the nature of the activities, the entity should use the cumulative earnings approach for that investee and report a change in accounting principle on a retrospective basis. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with earlier application permitted in any interim or annual period, using a retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-15 on its consolidated financial statements.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU No. 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences. Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payment transactions should be recognized in the current period as discrete adjustments to income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. Under previous U.S. GAAP, excess tax benefits were recognized in additional paid-in capital while tax deficiencies were recognized first as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits, then as additional income tax expense. Also, under previous U.S. GAAP, excess tax benefits were not recognized until the related income tax deduction reduced income taxes payable. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with earlier application permitted in any interim or annual period. Upon adoption, previously unrecognized excess tax benefits will be recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-09 on its consolidated financial statements.  In February 2016, the FASB amended the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) by creating ASC Topic 842, Leases. ASC Topic 842 requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a lease term greater than 12 months. The main difference between previous U.S. GAAP and ASC Topic 842 is the recognition under ASC 842 of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP. The new guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with earlier application permitted, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items. ASU 2015 ‑01 simplifies income statement classification by removing the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. Under previous U.S. GAAP, an entity was required to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction was of unusual nature and occurred infrequently. This separate, net-of-tax presentation (and corresponding earnings per share impact) is no longer allowed. The requirement to separately present items that are of unusual nature or occur infrequently on a pre-tax basis within income from continuing operations has been retained. The new guidance also requires similar separate presentation of items that are both unusual and infrequent. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  In August 2014, the FASB issued a new standard – ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern - that will explicitly require management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. According to the new standard, substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists if it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date the entity’s financial statements are issued. In order to determine the specific disclosures, if any, that would be required, management will need to assess if substantial doubt exists, and, if so, whether its plans will alleviate such substantial doubt. The new standard requires assessment each annual and interim period and will be effective for the Company on December 31, 2016 with earlier application permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  Additional Cash Flow Information  The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):      Nine Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Non-cash operating items:  Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates $ (96,799) $ 90,233  Deferred taxes 29,010 (33,248)  Depreciation 42 26  Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss 687 1,058  Net non-cash operating items – continuing operations $ (67,060) $ 58,069  Supplemental information:  Interest paid – continuing operations $ 15 $ 310  Interest paid – discontinued operations $ 641 $ 1,234  Tax payments – continuing operations $ 194 $ 1,785 0

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):     Proportionate  Share of Accumulated  Telesat Other Other  Postretirement Comprehensive Comprehensive  Benefits Loss Loss  Balance at January 1, 2015 $ (13,982) $ (15,239) $ (29,221)  Other comprehensive loss before reclassification (265) — (265)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 788 — 788  Net current-period other comprehensive income 523 — 523  Balance at December 31, 2015 (13,459) (15,239) (28,698)   Other comprehensive income before reclassification — 10,863 10,863  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 426 — 426  Net current-period other comprehensive income 426 10,863 11,289  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (13,033) $ (4,376) $ (17,409)   The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows (in thousands):    Three Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax  Amount Provision Amount Amount Provision Amount  Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss $ 229 (a) $ (88) $ 141 $ 205 (a) $ (76) $ 129  Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss) 2,580 (b) (1,008) 1,572 (1,318) (b) 491 (827)  Other comprehensive income $ 2,809 $ (1,096) $ 1,713 $ (1,113) $ 415 $ (698)     Nine Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax  Amount Provision Amount Amount Provision Amount  Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss $ 687 (a) $ (261) $ 426 1,058 (a) (394) 664  Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income 17,522 (b) (6,659) 10,863 — — —  Other comprehensive income $ 18,209 $ (6,920) $ 11,289 $ 1,058 $ (394) $ 664   (a) Reclassifications are included in general and administrative expenses. (b) See Note 6 for discussion of our share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss) .

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	4. Receivables  In connection with the Sale, Loral received a three-year promissory note in the principal amount of $101 million (the “Land Note”). Loral received the final principal payment under the Land Note of $33.7 million on March 31, 2015. Interest on the Land Note ranged from 1.0% to 1.5% .

Other Current Assets

Other Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	5. Other Current Assets  Other current assets consists of (in thousands):     September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Indemnification receivable from SS/L for pre-closing taxes (see Note 14) $ 1,953 $ 1,953  Due from affiliates 233 381  Prepaid expenses 445 169  Income taxes receivable 270 358  Other 97 118  $ 2,998 $ 2,979 

Investments in Affiliates

Investments in Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments in Affiliates [Abstract]
Investments in Affiliates	6. Investments in Affiliates  Investments in affiliates consist of (in thousands):      September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Telesat Holdings Inc. $ 114,321 $ —  XTAR, LLC — —  $ 114,321 $ —  Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates consists of (in thousands):     Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Telesat Holdings Inc. $ 6,948 $ (27,913) $ 96,799 $ (74,329)  XTAR, LLC — (10,562) — (15,904)  $ 6,948 $ (38,475) $ 96,799 $ (90,233)   Telesat  As of September 30, 2016, we held a 62.7 % economic interest and a 32.7 % voting interest in Telesat. Our economic interest decreased from 62.8% to 62.7% in March 2016 when certain Telesat employees exercised share appreciation rights related to a total of 178,642 stock options granted under Telesat’s share-based compensation plan and received 129,400 non-voting participating preferred shares. Also in March 2016, a total of 1,253,477 vested stock options were repurchased at fair value from Telesat management personnel and other employees for total cash consideration of CAD 24.7 million, of which CAD 18.7 million was paid to management personnel.  We use the equity method of accounting for our majority economic interest in Telesat because we own 32.7 % of the voting stock and do not exercise control by other means to satisfy the U.S. GAAP requirement for treatment as a consolidated subsidiary. We have also concluded that Telesat is not a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. Loral’s equity in net income or loss of Telesat is based on our proportionate share of Telesat’s results in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. dollars. Our proportionate share of Telesat’s net income or loss is based on our economic interest as our holdings consist of common stock and non-voting participating preferred shares that have all the rights of common stock with respect to dividends, return of capital and surplus distributions, but have no voting rights. As of December 31, 2015, we had an unrecorded equity loss in Telesat of $57.9 million, the amount by which our share of Telesat’s losses together with cash distributions we received from Telesat exceeded our recorded cumulative equity in net income of Telesat and our initial investment. Accordingly, in following the equity method of accounting, our investment balance in Telesat was reduced to zero as of December 31, 2015. In addition, our equity in Telesat’s other comprehensive income that we could not record as of December 31, 2015 was $20.8 million. We recognized this $57.9 million equity loss and our $20.8 million share in the equity of Telesat’s other comprehensive income in the first quarter of 2016 as a result of the recognition of the suspended loss.  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded an increase in equity in net income of affiliates of $3.0 million ( $1.8 million net of tax) that should have been recognized in prior periods. As a result, earnings per share (basic and diluted) increased $0.06 per share. These non-cash adjustments, which were identified and provided by Telesat in connection with its June 30, 2016 closing process, related primarily to an error in mark-to-market accounting for embedded foreign exchange derivatives in a Telesat customer contract. Changes in fair value of these embedded derivatives are required to be recognized under U.S. GAAP, but not under International Financial Reporting Standards, the basis of accounting used by Telesat. The Company has not revised previous financial statements for these adjustments based on its belief that the effect of such adjustments is not material to the financial statements taken as a whole. There were no corrections of prior period items during the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The ability of Telesat to pay dividends or certain other restricted payments as well as consulting fees in cash to Loral is governed by applicable covenants in Telesat’s debt and shareholder agreements. Under Telesat’s credit agreement and the indenture for Telesat’s 6 % senior notes, dividends or certain other restricted payments may be paid only if there is a sufficient capacity under a restricted payment basket, which is based on a formula of cumulative consolidated EBITDA less 1.4 times cumulative consolidated interest expense. Under the 6% senior note indenture and credit agreement, Telesat is generally permitted to pay consulting fees to Loral in cash (see Note 15).  The contribution of Loral Skynet, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral prior to its contribution to Telesat in 2007, was recorded by Loral at the historical book value of our retained interest combined with the gain recognized on the contribution. However, the contribution was recorded by Telesat at fair value. Accordingly, the amortization of Telesat fair value adjustments applicable to the Loral Skynet assets and liabilities is proportionately eliminated in determining our share of the net income or losses of Telesat. Our equity in net income or loss of Telesat also reflects amortization of profits eliminated, to the extent of our economic interest in Telesat, on satellites we constructed for Telesat while we owned SS/L and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets.  The following table presents summary financial data for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. dollars, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):     Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Statement of Operations Data:  Revenues $ 172,336 $ 187,937 $ 522,849 $ 557,313  Operating expenses (34,626) (34,032) (102,853) (102,918)  Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (49,816) (46,239) (147,207) (145,067)  Loss on disposition of long lived asset (19) (7) (1,932) (28)  Operating income 87,875 107,659 270,857 309,300  Interest expense (34,311) (34,533) (104,662) (104,804)  Foreign exchange (loss) gain (33,639) (164,235) 120,632 (333,076)  Gain (loss) on financial instruments 2,587 2,968 (3,364) 4,164  Other income 1,518 857 3,301 2,232  Income tax provision (13,556) (16,289) (39,625) (54,368)  Net income (loss) $ 10,474 $ (103,573) $ 247,139 $ (176,552)    September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Balance Sheet Data:  Current assets $ 656,254 $ 568,324  Total assets 4,248,874 3,991,301  Current liabilities 1,282,027 180,462  Long-term debt, including current portion 2,917,704 2,950,726  Total liabilities 3,626,535 3,617,867  Shareholders’ equity 622,339 373,434  The Telesat balance sheet data shown above as of December 31, 2015 has been restated for adoption on January 1, 2016 of ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . As a result of this restatement, total assets and long-term debt, including current portion , each decreased by approximately $18.1 million.  Telesat had capital expenditures of $153.2 million and $57.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  XTAR  We own 56 % of XTAR, a joint venture between us and Hisdesat Servicios Estrategicos, S.A. (“Hisdesat”) of Spain. We account for our ownership interest in XTAR under the equity method of accounting because we do not control certain of its significant operating decisions. We have also concluded that XTAR is not a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary.  XTAR owns and operates an X-band satellite, XTAR-EUR, located at 29° E.L., which is designed to provide X-band communications services exclusively to United States, Spanish and allied government users throughout the satellite’s coverage area, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia. XTAR also leases 7.2 72MHz X-band transponders on the Spainsat satellite located at 30° W.L., owned by Hisdesat. These transponders, designated as XTAR-LANT, provide capacity to XTAR for additional X-band services and greater coverage and flexibility.  As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying value of our investment in XTAR was zero as a result of the decline in its fair value that was determined to be other-than-temporary. The value of our investment in XTAR was determined based on the income approach by discounting projected annual cash flows to their present value using a rate of return appropriate for the risk of achieving the projected cash flows. In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $8 million primarily as a result of an increase in the discount rate used to value our investment in XTAR. We recorded an additional impairment charge of $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 primarily due to the reassessment of our revenue expectations for future years dictated by a decline in XTAR’s revenues by approximately 11% from 2014 to 2015. Beginning January 1, 2016, we discontinued providing for our allocated share of XTAR’s net losses as our investment has been reduced to zero and we have no commitment to provide further financial support to XTAR.  XTAR’s lease obligation to Hisdesat for the XTAR-LANT transponders (the “Transponder Service”) requires payment by XTAR up to a maximum amount of $ 28 million per year through the end of the useful life of the satellite which is estimated to be in 2021. Under the lease agreement (the “Spainsat Lease Agreement”), Hisdesat may also be entitled under certain circumstances to a share of the revenues generated on the Transponder Service. In September 2016, XTAR and Hisdesat amended the Spainsat Lease Agreement to, among other things, reduce for 2016 and 2017 the minimum capacity required to be leased by XTAR , and accordingly lease payments by XTAR for 2016 and 2017 were reduced from $26 million to $18.2 million. The 2016 reduction was retroactive to January 1, 2016. In March 2009, XTAR entered into an agreement with Hisdesat pursuant to which the past due balance on XTAR-LANT transponders of $ 32.3 million as of December 31, 2008, together with a deferral of $ 6.7 million in payments due in 2009, is payable to Hisdesat over 12 years through annual payments of $ 5 million (the “Catch Up Payments”). XTAR has a right to prepay, at any time, all unpaid Catch Up Payments discounted at 9 %. Cumulative amounts paid to Hisdesat for Catch-Up Payments through September 30, 2016 were $ 29.2 million. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, XTAR has deferred payment of liabilities of $24.6 million and $17.7 million, respectively, for its lease obligation and Catch-Up Payments to Hisdesat. XTAR has also agreed that XTAR’s excess cash balance (as defined) will be applied towards making limited payments on future lease obligations, as well as payments of other amounts owed to Hisdesat, Telesat and Loral for services provided by them to XTAR. The ability of XTAR to pay dividends and management fees in cash to Loral is governed by XTAR’s operating agreement (see Note 15).  The following table presents summary financial data for XTAR for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Statement of Operations Data:  Revenues $ 3,815 $ 6,552 $ 14,115 $ 19,249  Operating expenses (1) (1,882) (8,079) (18,075) (24,185)  Depreciation and amortization (2,191) (2,190) (6,575) (6,682)  Operating loss (258) (3,717) (10,535) (11,618)  Net loss (706) (5,177) (12,745) (14,444)  (1) During the three months ended September 30, 2016, pursuant to the Spainsat Lease Agreement, as amended, XTAR recorded a $6 million reduction in transponder lease charges of which $4 million relates to the six months ended June 30, 2016.    September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Balance Sheet Data:  Current assets $ 6,983 $ 7,533  Total assets 37,668 44,793  Current liabilities 49,723 41,712  Total liabilities 72,655 68,126  Members’ equity (34,987) (23,333)   Other  As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company held various indirect ownership interests in two foreign companies that currently serve as exclusive service providers for Globalstar service in Mexico and Russia. The Company accounts for these ownership interests using the equity method of accounting. Loral has written-off its investments in these companies, and, because we have no future funding requirements relating to these investments, there is no requirement for us to provide for our allocated share of these companies’ net losses.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	7. Other Current Liabilities  Other current liabilities consists of (in thousands):   September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  SS/L indemnification liability relating to ViaSat Suit settlement (see Note 14) $ 5,548 $ 10,714  Accrued professional fees 941 871  Pension and other postretirement liabilities 120 120  Accrued liabilities 238 350  $ 6,847 $ 12,055 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes  The following summarizes our income tax (provision) benefit on the loss from continuing operations (in thousands):     Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Total current income tax provision $ (713) $ (517) $ (2,056) $ (2,347)  Total deferred income tax (provision) benefit (8,198) 37,451 (29,010) 33,248  Income tax (provision) benefit $ (8,911) $ 36,934 $ (31,066) $ 30,901  Following the Sale, to the extent that profitability from operations is not sufficient to realize the benefit from our remaining net deferred tax assets, we would generate sufficient taxable income from the appreciated value of our Telesat investment, which currently has a nominal tax basis, in order to prevent federal net operating losses from expiring and realize the benefit of all remaining deferred tax assets.  The following summarizes amounts for uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”) included in our income tax (provision) benefit (in thousands):    Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Current provision for UTPs $ (636) $ (507) $ (1,774) $ (784)  Deferred benefit for UTPs 289 187 801 244  Tax provision for UTPs $ (347) $ (320) $ (973) $ (540)  As of September 30, 2016, we had unrecognized tax benefits relating to UTPs of $72 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2016, we have accrued approximately $7.4 million and $6.4 million for the payment of potential tax-related interest and penalties, respectively.  Subject to certain limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2011. Earlier years related to certain foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination. Various federal, state and foreign income tax returns are currently under examination. However, to the extent allowed by law, the tax authorities may have the right to examine prior periods where net operating losses were generated and carried forward, and make adjustments up to the amount of the net operating loss carryforward. While we intend to contest any future tax assessments for UTPs, no assurance can be provided that we would ultimately prevail. During the next twelve months, the statute of limitations for assessment of additional tax will expire with regard to certain UTPs related to our state income tax returns filed for 2011, potentially resulting in a $3.9 million reduction to our unrecognized tax benefits. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for the Sale, we are obligated to indemnify SS/L for taxes related to periods prior to the closing of the transaction. The following summarizes the changes to our liabilities for UTPs included in long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):    Nine Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Liabilities for UTPs:  Opening balance — January 1 $ 69,511 $ 77,133  Current provision (benefit) for:  Potential additional interest 1,779 1,695  Statute expirations (5) (174)  Tax settlements — (737)  Ending balance $ 71,285 $ 77,917  As of September 30, 2016, if our positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, the Company’s income tax provision from continuing operations would be reduced by approximately $31.3 million. Other than as described above, there were no significant changes to our UTPs during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and we do not anticipate any other significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.

Long -Term Liabilities

Long -Term Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-Term Liabilities	9. Long-Term Liabilities  Long-term liabilities consists of (in thousands):     September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  SS/L indemnification liability relating to ViaSat Suit settlement (see Note 14) $ — $ 2,754  Indemnification liabilities - other (see Note 14) 967 1,006  Deferred tax liability 385 —  Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 71,285 69,511  Other 238 307  $ 72,875 $ 73,578 

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	10. Stock-Based Compensation  Stock Plans  The Loral amended and restated 2005 stock incentive plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) which allowed for the grant of several forms of stock-based compensation awards including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock bonuses and other stock-based awards, had a ten-year term and has expired. The Company granted 75,262 restricted stock units under the Stock Incentive Plan that do not expire and remained unconverted as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	11. Earnings Per Share  Telesat has awarded employee stock options, which, if exercised, would result in dilution of Loral’s economic ownership interest in Telesat from 62.7% to approximately 61.8 %.  The following table presents the dilutive impact of Telesat stock options on Loral’s reported income from continuing operations for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share (in thousands):    Nine Months Ended  September 30, 2016  Income from continuing operations — basic $ 59,652  Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options (2,302)  Income from continuing operations — diluted $ 57,350 Telesat stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and the three and nine months ended September, 2015 as the effect would have been antidilutive.  Basic income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of share of voting and non-voting common stock outstanding. The following is the computation of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in thousands):    Nine Months Ended  September 30, 2016  Weighted average common shares outstanding 30,933  Unconverted restricted stock units 75  Common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 31,008  For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the following unconverted restricted stock units are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive (in thousands):             Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended  2016 2015 September 30, 2015  Unconverted restricted stock units 75 75 78 

Pensions and Other Employee Ben

Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans	12. Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans  The following tables provide the components of net periodic cost included in general and administrative expenses for our qualified retirement plan (the “Pension Benefits”) and health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents (the “Other Benefits”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):     Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Three Months Three Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 167 $ 128 $ — $ —  Interest cost 495 474 6 6  Expected return on plan assets (512) (526) — —  Amortization of net actuarial loss 223 199 1 3  Amortization of prior service credits — — 5 3  Net periodic cost $ 373 $ 275 $ 12 $ 12     Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Nine Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 501 $ 384 $ 1 $ 1  Interest cost 1,486 1,422 16 33  Expected return on plan assets (1,535) (1,580) — —  Recognition due to settlement — — — 428  Amortization of net actuarial loss 667 597 4 25  Amortization of prior service credits — — 16 8  Net periodic cost $ 1,119 $ 823 $ 37 $ 495  Effective January 1, 2015, retiree medical coverage for retirees age 65 or over and their dependents was discontinued. In January 2015, the Company made discretionary one-time payments to eligible participants to assist them in purchasing alternate coverage. In August 2015, the Company made discretionary one-time payments of $0.8 million to other participants to settle the remaining liability for retiree medical coverage applicable to benefits at age 65 and later. The effect on pension expense for the nine months ended September 30 , 2015 of the one-time payments to eligible participants is included in the table above as recognition due to settlement.

Financial Instruments, Derivati

Financial Instruments, Derivative Instruments and Hedging	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Financial Instruments, Derivative Instruments and Hedging [Abstract]
Financial Instruments, Derivative Instruments and Hedging	13. Financial Instruments, Derivative Instruments and Hedging  Financial Instruments  The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.  Foreign Currency  We are subject to the risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. To limit this foreign exchange rate exposure, we attempt to denominate all contracts in U.S. dollars. Where appropriate, derivatives are used to minimize the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations to operating results and cash flows. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  Derivatives and Hedging Transactions  There were no derivative instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	14. Commitments and Contingencies  Financial Matters  In the fourth quarter of 2012, we sold our former subsidiary, SS/L, to MDA pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to indemnify MDA from (1) liabilities with respect to certain pre-closing taxes; and (2) certain litigation costs and litigation damages relating to the ViaSat Suit. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include an indemnification refund receivable of $2.0 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. This receivable represents Loral’s payments to date net of the estimated fair value of the liability for our indemnification of SS/L for certain pre-closing taxes. The final amounts for indemnification claims related to pre-closing taxes have not yet been determined. Where appropriate, we intend vigorously to contest the underlying tax assessments, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful. Although no assurance can be provided, we do not believe that these tax-related matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. For a discussion of the ViaSat Suit and our indemnification obligations related thereto, see Legal Proceedings, below.  In connection with the sale in 2008 by Loral and certain of its subsidiaries and DASA Globalstar LLC to Globalstar Inc. of their respective interests in GdB, the Globalstar Brazilian service provider, Loral agreed to indemnify Globalstar Inc. and GdB for certain GdB pre-closing liabilities, primarily related to Brazilian taxes. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include liabilities of $1.0 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, for indemnification liabilities relating to the sale of GdB.  See Note 15— Related Party Transactions — Transactions with Affiliates — Telesat for commitments and contingencies relating to our agreement to indemnify Telesat for certain liabilities and our arrangements with ViaSat and Telesat.  Legal Proceedings ViaSat  Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Loral agreed to indemnify MDA and its affiliates from certain damages in the ViaSat Suit brought in 2012 by ViaSat against Loral and SS/L . In September 2014 , Loral, SS/L and ViaSat entered into a settlement agreement (“the Settlement Agreement”) pursuant to which the ViaSat Suit and an additional patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuit brought by ViaSat against SS/L in September 2013 were settled. Loral was also released by MDA, MDA Holdings and SS/L from indemnification claims relating to the ViaSat lawsuits under the Purchase Agreement.  The terms of the Settlement Agreement provide, among other things, for payment by Loral and SS/L to ViaSat on a joint and several basis of $100 million, $40 million of which was paid in September 2014 in connection with entering into the Settlement Agreement, with the remaining $60 million payable with interest in ten equal quarterly installments of $6.9 million from October 15, 2014 through January 15, 2017 . As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total principal and interest payable by Loral and SS/L to ViaSat, on a joint and several basis, was $13.5 million and $32.4 million, respectively.  Following a mediation session held on December 1, 2014, Loral and MDA entered into an agreement titled “MDA/Loral Dispute Resolution” dated December 1, 2014 (the “Allocation Agreement”), pursuant to which Loral and MDA agreed that Loral will be responsible for $45 million, and MDA and SS/L will be responsible for $55 million, of the $100 million litigation settlement with ViaSat. As of September 30, 2016, Loral has paid $ 40.5 million, including interest, toward the ViaSat settlement. Pursuant to the Allocation Agreement, Loral paid ViaSat $ 2.8 million in October 2016 and is obligated to make one additional payment to ViaSat in January 2017 of $2.8 million inclusive of interest at 3.25% per year. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include indemnification liabilities related to the ViaSat Settlement Agreement of $5.5 million and $13.5 million, respectively. As Loral’s payment obligations to ViaSat are on a joint and several basis with MDA and SS/L, if MDA and SS/L were to default on all or part of their payment obligations to ViaSat, Loral would be obligated to pay ViaSat any amounts not paid by MDA and SS/L.  Other Litigation  We are not currently subject to any legal proceedings that, if decided adversely, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. In the future, however, we may become subject to legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, that may arise in the ordinary course of business or otherwise.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	15. Related Party Tra nsactions  MHR Fund Management LLC  Mark H. Rachesky, President of MHR Fund Management LLC (“MHR”), and Janet T. Yeung, a principal and the General Counsel of MHR, are members of Loral’s board of directors. Hal Goldstein, a former managing principal of MHR, was a member of the Loral Board until May 2015.  Various funds affiliated with MHR and Dr. Rachesky held, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, approximately 39.9% and 38.0%, respectively, of the outstanding voting common stock and 58.4% and 57.1% , respectively, of the combined outstanding voting and non-voting common stock of Loral.  Transactions with Affiliates  Telesat  As described in Note 6, we own 62.7% of Telesat and account for our ownership interest under the equity method of accounting.  In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat (which we refer to as the Telesat transaction), Loral and certain of its subsidiaries, our Canadian co-owner, Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSP”) and one of its subsidiaries, Telesat Holdings Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat Canada, and MHR entered into a Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”). The Shareholders Agreement provides for, among other things, the manner in which the affairs of Telesat and its subsidiaries will be conducted and the relationships among the parties thereto and future shareholders of Telesat. The Shareholders Agreement also contains an agreement by Loral not to engage in a competing satellite communications business and agreements by the parties to the Shareholders Agreement not to solicit employees of Telesat or any of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Shareholders Agreement details the matters requiring the approval of the shareholders of Telesat (including veto rights for Loral over certain extraordinary actions) and provides for preemptive rights for certain shareholders upon the issuance of certain capital shares of Telesat. The Shareholders Agreement also (i) restricts the ability of holders of certain shares of Telesat to transfer such shares unless certain conditions are met or approval of the transfer is granted by the directors of Telesat, (ii) provides for a right of first offer to certain Telesat shareholders if a holder of equity shares of Telesat wishes to sell any such shares to a third party and (iii) provides for, in certain circumstances, tag-along rights in favor of shareholders that are not affiliated with Loral if Loral sells equity shares and drag-along rights in favor of Loral in case Loral or its affiliate enters into an agreement to sell all of its Telesat equity securities.  In addition, the Shareholders Agreement provides for either PSP or Loral to initiate the process of conducting an initial public offering of the equity shares of Telesat Holdings Inc. (a “Telesat IPO”). In connection with our exploration of strategic initiatives to alter the status quo in our ownership of Telesat, in July 2015, we exercised our right under the Shareholders Agreement to require Telesat to conduct a Telesat IPO. Specifically, we requested that Telesat issue not more than 25 million newly issued shares of Telesat voting common stock. We also requested the termination of the Shareholders Agreement and the elimination of certain provisions in Telesat’s Articles of Incorporation, both of which we believe are important for a successful public offering. If those provisions are eliminated, an impediment to the conversion of our non-voting Telesat shares to voting shares would be eliminated. Termination or modification of the Shareholders Agreement and conversion of our non-voting shares to voting shares would enable us, after a Telesat IPO and subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, to obtain majority voting control of Telesat. Telesat selected two co-managing underwriters and informed us that it will work to implement a Telesat IPO pending our agreement with PSP on the post-IPO governance matters. To date, no such agreement has been reached. There can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms a Telesat IPO, termination or modification of the Shareholders Agreement or any requested changes to Telesat’s Articles of Incorporation may occur or that any particular economic, tax, structural or other objectives or benefits with respect to a Telesat IPO will be achieved. If a Telesat IPO is expected to proceed under unfavorable terms or at an unfavorable price, we may withdraw our demand for a Telesat IPO.  Depending upon the outcome of discussions with PSP relating to Telesat strategic matters, we may assert certain claims against PSP for actions we believe violated our rights relating to the affairs of Telesat under the Telesat Shareholders Agreement and otherwise. In response to our claims, PSP has informed us that it believes that it may have claims against us, although we are not aware of the legal or factual basis for any such claims. We and PSP have agreed that, pending the outcome of our discussions, it would be beneficial to delay the commencement of any action relating to either party’s claims and have entered into an agreement (the “Tolling Agreement”) which preserves the parties’ rights to assert against one another legal claims relating to Telesat. We also included Telesat as a party to the Tolling Agreement because, as a technical matter of Canadian law and for purposes of potentially seeking equitable relief, Telesat may be a necessary party. There can be no assurance that if the Tolling Agreement lapses that we and PSP will not pursue legal claims against one another relating to Telesat.  Under the Shareholders Agreement, in the event that, except in certain limited circumstances, either (i) ownership or control, directly or indirectly, by Dr. Rachesky of Loral’s voting stock falls below certain levels other than in connection with certain specified circumstances, including an acquisition by a Strategic Competitor (as defined in the Shareholders Agreement) or (ii) there is a change in the composition of a majority of the members of the Loral Board of Directors over a consecutive two-year period without the approval of the incumbent directors, Loral will lose its veto rights relating to certain extraordinary actions by Telesat and its subsidiaries. In addition, after either of these events, PSP will have certain rights to enable it to exit from its investment in Telesat, including a right to cause Telesat to conduct an initial public offering in which PSP’s shares would be the first shares offered or, if no such offering has occurred within one year due to a lack of cooperation from Loral or Telesat, to cause the sale of Telesat and to drag along the other shareholders in such sale, subject to Loral’s right to call PSP’s shares at fair market value.  The Shareholders Agreement provides for a board of directors of each of Telesat and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat, consisting of 10 directors, three nominated by Loral, three nominated by PSP and four independent directors to be selected by a nominating committee comprised of one PSP nominee, one nominee of Loral and one of the independent directors then in office. Each party to the Shareholders Agreement is obligated to vote all of its Telesat shares for the election of the directors nominated by the nominating committee. Pursuant to action by the board of directors taken on October 31, 2007, Dr. Rachesky, who is non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Loral, was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Telesat Holdings Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat Canada. In addition, Michael B. Targoff, Loral’s Vice Chairman, serves on the board of directors of Telesat Holdings Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, including Telesat Canada. On October 31, 2007 , Loral and Telesat entered into a consulting services agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Loral provides to Telesat certain non-exclusive consulting services in relation to the business of Loral Skynet which was transferred to Telesat as part of the Telesat transaction as well as with respect to certain aspects of the satellite communications business of Telesat. The Consulting Agreement has a term of seven years with an automatic renewal for an additional seven- year term if Loral is not then in material default under the Shareholders Agreement. Upon expiration of the initial term on October 31, 2014, the Consulting Agreement was automatically renewed for the additional seven-year term. In exchange for Loral’s services under the Consulting Agreement, Telesat pays Loral an annual fee of $ 5.0 million , payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year during the term of the Consulting Agreement. If the terms of Telesat’s bank or bridge facilities or certain other debt obligations prevent Telesat from paying such fees in cash, Telesat may issue junior subordinated promissory notes to Loral in the amount of such payment, with interest on such promissory notes payable at the rate of 7 % per annum , compounded quarterly, from the date of issue of such promissory note to the date of payment thereof. Our general and administrative expenses are net of income related to the Consulting Agreement of $ 1.25 million for each of the three ‑month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $3.8 million for each of the nine-months periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. For each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Loral received payments in cash from Telesat, net of withholding taxes, of $3.6 million for consulting fees. We had no notes receivable from Telesat as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 related to the Consulting Agreement.  In connection with the acquisition of our ownership interest in Telesat in 2007, Loral retained the benefit of tax recoveries related to the transferred assets and indemnified Telesat (“Telesat Indemnification”) for certain liabilities, including Loral Skynet’s tax liabilities arising prior to January 1, 2007. The Telesat Indemnification includes certain tax disputes currently under review in various jurisdictions including Brazil. The Brazilian tax authorities challenged Loral Skynet’s historical characterization of its revenue generated in Brazil for the years 2003 to 2006. Telesat received and challenged, on Loral Skynet’s behalf, tax assessments from Brazil totaling approximately $2.3 million. The Company believes that Loral Skynet’s filing position will ultimately be sustained requiring no payment under the Telesat Indemnification. There can be no assurance that there will be no future claims under the Telesat Indemnification related to tax disputes.  Loral’s employees and retirees participate in certain welfare plans sponsored by Telesat. Loral pays Telesat an annual administrative fee of $0.1 million and reimburses Telesat for the plan costs attributable to Loral participants.  Loral, along with Telesat, PSP and 4440480 Canada Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Loral (the “Special Purchaser”), entered into grant agreements (the “Grant Agreements”) with certain executives of Telesat (each, a “Participant” and collectively, the “Participants”). Each of the Participants is or was, at the time, an executive of Telesat.  The Grant Agreements confirm grants of Telesat stock options (including tandem SAR rights) to the Participants and provide for certain rights, obligations and restrictions related to such stock options, which include, among other things: (w) the possible obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase the shares in the place of Telesat should Telesat be prohibited by applicable law or under the terms of any credit agreement applicable to Telesat from purchasing such shares, or otherwise default on such purchase obligation, pursuant to the terms of the Grant Agreements; and (x) the obligation of the Special Purchaser to purchase shares upon exercise by Telesat of its call right under Telesat’s Management Stock Incentive Plan in the event of a Participant’s termination of employment; and, in the case of certain executives, (y) the right of each such Participant to require the Special Purchaser or Loral to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat owned by him in the event of exercise after termination of employment to cover taxes that are greater than the minimum withholding amount; and (z) the right of each such Participant to require Telesat to cause the Special Purchaser or Loral to purchase a portion of the shares in Telesat owned by him, or that are issuable to him under Telesat's Management Stock Incentive Plan at the relevant time, in the event that more than 90 % of Loral’s common stock is acquired by an unaffiliated third party that does not also purchase all of PSP's and its affiliates' interest in Telesat.  The Grant Agreements further provide that, in the event the Special Purchaser is required to purchase shares, such shares, together with the obligation to pay for such shares, shall be transferred to a subsidiary of the Special Purchaser, which subsidiary shall be wound up into Telesat, with Telesat agreeing to the acquisition of such subsidiary by Telesat from the Special Purchaser for nominal consideration and with the purchase price for the shares being paid by Telesat within ten (10) business days after completion of the winding-up of such subsidiary into Telesat.  ViaSat/Telesat  In connection with an agreement entered into between SS/L and ViaSat for the construction by SS/L for ViaSat of a high capacity broadband satellite called ViaSat-1, on January 11, 2008, we entered into certain agreements, pursuant to which we invested in the Canadian coverage portion of the ViaSat-1 satellite. Until his resignation in February 2012, Michael B. Targoff served, and another Loral director currently serves, as a member of the ViaSat Board of Directors.  On April 11, 2011, Loral assigned to Telesat and Telesat assumed from Loral all of Loral’s rights and obligations with respect to the ViaSat-1 satellite payload providing coverage into Canada and all related agreements. Loral also assigned to Telesat and Telesat assumed Loral’s 15 -year contract with Xplornet Communications, Inc. (“Xplornet”) (formerly known as Barrett Xplore Inc.) for delivery of high throughput satellite Ka-band capacity and gateway services for broadband services in Canada. In connection with the assignments, Loral was entitled to receive one-half of any net revenue earned by Telesat in connection with the leasing of certain supplemental capacity on the payload to its customers during the first four years after the commencement of service using the supplemental capacity. Under this arrangement, which expired in December 2015, we earned approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. We had a receivable from Telesat of nil and $0.2 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, related to this arrangement.  Other  As described in Note 6, we own 56% of XTAR, a joint venture between Loral and Hisdesat and account for our investment in XTAR under the equity method of accounting. SS/L constructed XTAR’s satellite, which was successfully launched in February 2005. XTAR and Loral have entered into a management agreement whereby Loral provides general and specific services of a technical, financial and administrative nature to XTAR. For the services provided by Loral, XTAR, until December 31, 2013, was charged a quarterly management fee equal to 3.7% of XTAR’s quarterly gross revenues. Amounts due to Loral primarily due to the management agreement as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $6.8 million. Beginning in 2008, Loral and XTAR agreed to defer amounts owed to Loral under this agreement, and XTAR has agreed that its excess cash balance (as defined), will be applied at least quarterly towards repayment of receivables owed to Loral, as well as to Hisdesat and Telesat. No cash was received under this agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and we had an allowance of $6.6 million against receivables from XTAR as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Loral and Hisdesat have agreed to waive future management fees for an indefinite period starting January 1, 2014.  Consulting Agreement  On December 14, 2012 , Loral entered into a consulting agreement with Michael B. Targoff, Vice Chairman of the Company and former Chief Executive Officer and President. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Targoff is engaged as a part-time consultant to the Board to assist the Board with respect to the oversight of strategic matters relating to Telesat and XTAR. Under the agreement, Mr. Targoff receives consulting fees of $ 120,000 per month and reimburses the Company for certain expenses. For each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Mr. Targoff earned $360,000 and $1,080,000 , respectively, in consulting fees and reimbursed Loral net expenses of $15,750 and $47,250 , respectively.  

Basis of Presentation (Policy)

Basis of Presentation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations  On November 2, 2012, Loral completed the sale (the “Sale”) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Space Systems/Loral, LLC (formerly known as Space Systems/Loral, Inc.) (“SS/L”), to MDA Communications Holdings, Inc. (“MDA Holdings”), a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”). Pursuant to the purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of June 26, 2012, as amended on October 30, 2012 and March 28, 2013, by and among Loral, SS/L, MDA and MDA Holdings, Loral agreed to indemnify MDA and its affiliates from (1) liabilities with respect to certain pre-closing taxes; and (2) certain damages and legal expenses stemming from a lawsuit (the “ViaSat Suit”) brought in 2012 by ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) against Loral and SS/L (see Note 14).  Adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations and interest expense that are directly related to the Sale are classified as discontinued operations in the statements of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
Investments in Affiliates	Investments in Affiliates  Ownership interests in Telesat and XTAR, LLC (“XTAR”) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income and losses of affiliates are recorded based on our beneficial interest. Our equity in net income or loss also reflects amortization of profits eliminated, to the extent of our economic interest in Telesat and XTAR, on satellites we constructed for them while we owned SS/L and on Loral’s sale to Telesat in April 2011 of its portion of the payload on the ViaSat-1 satellite and related assets. Equity in losses of affiliates is not recognized after the carrying value of an investment, including advances and loans, has been reduced to zero, unless guarantees or other funding obligations exist. The Company monitors its equity method investments for factors indicating other-than-temporary impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when there has been a loss in value of the affiliate that is other-than-temporary. As discussed in Note 6, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded an increase in our equity in net income of affiliates of $3.0 million ( $1.8 million net of tax), which represents our proportionate share of equity in net income of Telesat that should have been recognized in prior periods. 
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 amount of income (loss) reported for the period. Actual results could materially differ from estimates.  Significant estimates also included the allowances for doubtful accounts, income taxes, including the valuation of deferred tax assets, the fair value of liabilities indemnified and our pension liabilities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents  As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $42.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include liquid investments, primarily money market funds, with original maturities of less than 90 days at the time of purchase. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and at each balance sheet date.
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 and receivables. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high-credit-quality financial institutions. As a result, management believes that its potential credit risks are minimal.
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  The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Assets  Cash and cash equivalents  Money market funds $ 40,264 $ — $ — $ 53,129 $ — $ —  Other current assets:  Indemnification - Sale of SS/L — — 1,953 — — 1,953  Liabilities  Long-term liabilities  Indemnification - Globalstar do Brasil S.A. $ — $ — $ 967 $ — $ — $ 1,006  The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value as of each reporting date because of the short maturity of those instruments.  The asset resulting from the indemnification of SS/L is for certain pre-closing taxes and reflects the excess of payments since inception over the estimated liability, which was originally determined using the fair value objective approach. The estimated liability for indemnifications relating to Globalstar do Brasil S.A. (“GdB”), originally determined using expected value analysis, is net of payments since inception.  The Company does not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  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. 
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.

Basis of Presentation (Tables)

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Assets  Cash and cash equivalents  Money market funds $ 40,264 $ — $ — $ 53,129 $ — $ —  Other current assets:  Indemnification - Sale of SS/L — — 1,953 — — 1,953  Liabilities  Long-term liabilities  Indemnification - Globalstar do Brasil S.A. $ — $ — $ 967 $ — $ — $ 1,006 
Additional Cash Flow Information	The following represents non-cash activities and supplemental information to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):      Nine Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Non-cash operating items:  Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates $ (96,799) $ 90,233  Deferred taxes 29,010 (33,248)  Depreciation 42 26  Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss 687 1,058  Net non-cash operating items – continuing operations $ (67,060) $ 58,069  Supplemental information:  Interest paid – continuing operations $ 15 $ 310  Interest paid – discontinued operations $ 641 $ 1,234  Tax payments – continuing operations $ 194 $ 1,785 

Accumulated Other Comprehensi24

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):     Proportionate  Share of Accumulated  Telesat Other Other  Postretirement Comprehensive Comprehensive  Benefits Loss Loss  Balance at January 1, 2015 $ (13,982) $ (15,239) $ (29,221)  Other comprehensive loss before reclassification (265) — (265)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 788 — 788  Net current-period other comprehensive income 523 — 523  Balance at December 31, 2015 (13,459) (15,239) (28,698)   Other comprehensive income before reclassification — 10,863 10,863  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 426 — 426  Net current-period other comprehensive income 426 10,863 11,289  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (13,033) $ (4,376) $ (17,409) 
Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Income Tax Effects	The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows (in thousands):    Three Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax  Amount Provision Amount Amount Provision Amount  Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss $ 229 (a) $ (88) $ 141 $ 205 (a) $ (76) $ 129  Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss) 2,580 (b) (1,008) 1,572 (1,318) (b) 491 (827)  Other comprehensive income $ 2,809 $ (1,096) $ 1,713 $ (1,113) $ 415 $ (698)     Nine Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax Net-of-Tax  Amount Provision Amount Amount Provision Amount  Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss $ 687 (a) $ (261) $ 426 1,058 (a) (394) 664  Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income 17,522 (b) (6,659) 10,863 — — —  Other comprehensive income $ 18,209 $ (6,920) $ 11,289 $ 1,058 $ (394) $ 664   (a) Reclassifications are included in general and administrative expenses. (b) See Note 6 for discussion of our share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss) . 

Other Current Assets (Tables)

Other Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Assets	Other current assets consists of (in thousands):     September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Indemnification receivable from SS/L for pre-closing taxes (see Note 14) $ 1,953 $ 1,953  Due from affiliates 233 381  Prepaid expenses 445 169  Income taxes receivable 270 358  Other 97 118  $ 2,998 $ 2,979 

Investments in Affiliates (Tabl

Investments in Affiliates (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in Affiliates	Investments in affiliates consist of (in thousands):      September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Telesat Holdings Inc. $ 114,321 $ —  XTAR, LLC — —  $ 114,321 $ — 
Equity in Net (Loss) Income of Affiliates	Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates consists of (in thousands):     Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Telesat Holdings Inc. $ 6,948 $ (27,913) $ 96,799 $ (74,329)  XTAR, LLC — (10,562) — (15,904)  $ 6,948 $ (38,475) $ 96,799 $ (90,233) 
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Summary Financial Data, Equity Method Investment	The following table presents summary financial data for Telesat in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. dollars, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):     Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Statement of Operations Data:  Revenues $ 172,336 $ 187,937 $ 522,849 $ 557,313  Operating expenses (34,626) (34,032) (102,853) (102,918)  Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (49,816) (46,239) (147,207) (145,067)  Loss on disposition of long lived asset (19) (7) (1,932) (28)  Operating income 87,875 107,659 270,857 309,300  Interest expense (34,311) (34,533) (104,662) (104,804)  Foreign exchange (loss) gain (33,639) (164,235) 120,632 (333,076)  Gain (loss) on financial instruments 2,587 2,968 (3,364) 4,164  Other income 1,518 857 3,301 2,232  Income tax provision (13,556) (16,289) (39,625) (54,368)  Net income (loss) $ 10,474 $ (103,573) $ 247,139 $ (176,552)    September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Balance Sheet Data:  Current assets $ 656,254 $ 568,324  Total assets 4,248,874 3,991,301  Current liabilities 1,282,027 180,462  Long-term debt, including current portion 2,917,704 2,950,726  Total liabilities 3,626,535 3,617,867  Shareholders’ equity 622,339 373,434 
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Summary Financial Data, Equity Method Investment	The following table presents summary financial data for XTAR for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Statement of Operations Data:  Revenues $ 3,815 $ 6,552 $ 14,115 $ 19,249  Operating expenses (1) (1,882) (8,079) (18,075) (24,185)  Depreciation and amortization (2,191) (2,190) (6,575) (6,682)  Operating loss (258) (3,717) (10,535) (11,618)  Net loss (706) (5,177) (12,745) (14,444)  (1) During the three months ended September 30, 2016, pursuant to the Spainsat Lease Agreement, as amended, XTAR recorded a $6 million reduction in transponder lease charges of which $4 million relates to the six months ended June 30, 2016.    September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  Balance Sheet Data:  Current assets $ 6,983 $ 7,533  Total assets 37,668 44,793  Current liabilities 49,723 41,712  Total liabilities 72,655 68,126  Members’ equity (34,987) (23,333) 

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consists of (in thousands):   September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  SS/L indemnification liability relating to ViaSat Suit settlement (see Note 14) $ 5,548 $ 10,714  Accrued professional fees 941 871  Pension and other postretirement liabilities 120 120  Accrued liabilities 238 350  $ 6,847 $ 12,055 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Summary of Income Tax Benefit (Provision)	The following summarizes our income tax (provision) benefit on the loss from continuing operations (in thousands):     Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Total current income tax provision $ (713) $ (517) $ (2,056) $ (2,347)  Total deferred income tax (provision) benefit (8,198) 37,451 (29,010) 33,248  Income tax (provision) benefit $ (8,911) $ 36,934 $ (31,066) $ 30,901 
Summary of Uncertain Tax Positions Included in Income Tax Provision	The following summarizes amounts for uncertain tax positions (“UTPs”) included in our income tax (provision) benefit (in thousands):    Three Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Current provision for UTPs $ (636) $ (507) $ (1,774) $ (784)  Deferred benefit for UTPs 289 187 801 244  Tax provision for UTPs $ (347) $ (320) $ (973) $ (540) 
Summary of Changes to Company's Liabilities for UTPs	The following summarizes the changes to our liabilities for UTPs included in long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):    Nine Months  Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Liabilities for UTPs:  Opening balance — January 1 $ 69,511 $ 77,133  Current provision (benefit) for:  Potential additional interest 1,779 1,695  Statute expirations (5) (174)  Tax settlements — (737)  Ending balance $ 71,285 $ 77,917 

Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)

Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Long Term Liabilities	Long-term liabilities consists of (in thousands):     September 30, December 31,  2016 2015  SS/L indemnification liability relating to ViaSat Suit settlement (see Note 14) $ — $ 2,754  Indemnification liabilities - other (see Note 14) 967 1,006  Deferred tax liability 385 —  Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 71,285 69,511  Other 238 307  $ 72,875 $ 73,578 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Dilutive Impact of Equity Method Investee Stock Options	The following table presents the dilutive impact of Telesat stock options on Loral’s reported income from continuing operations for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share (in thousands):    Nine Months Ended  September 30, 2016  Income from continuing operations — basic $ 59,652  Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options (2,302)  Income from continuing operations — diluted $ 57,350 
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares for Calculating Diluted Earnings per Share	The following is the computation of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in thousands):    Nine Months Ended  September 30, 2016  Weighted average common shares outstanding 30,933  Unconverted restricted stock units 75  Common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 31,008 
Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Excluded From the Calculation of Diluted Loss Per Share	For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the following unconverted restricted stock units are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive (in thousands):             Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended  2016 2015 September 30, 2015  Unconverted restricted stock units 75 75 78 

Pensions and Other Employee B31

Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Cost	The following tables provide the components of net periodic cost included in general and administrative expenses for our qualified retirement plan (the “Pension Benefits”) and health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees and dependents (the “Other Benefits”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):     Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Three Months Three Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 167 $ 128 $ — $ —  Interest cost 495 474 6 6  Expected return on plan assets (512) (526) — —  Amortization of net actuarial loss 223 199 1 3  Amortization of prior service credits — — 5 3  Net periodic cost $ 373 $ 275 $ 12 $ 12     Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Nine Months Nine Months  Ended September 30, Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 501 $ 384 $ 1 $ 1  Interest cost 1,486 1,422 16 33  Expected return on plan assets (1,535) (1,580) — —  Recognition due to settlement — — — 428  Amortization of net actuarial loss 667 597 4 25  Amortization of prior service credits — — 16 8  Net periodic cost $ 1,119 $ 823 $ 37 $ 495 

Organization and Principal Bu32

Organization and Principal Business (Narrative) (Details) - Telesat Holdco [Member]	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization and Principal Business [Line Items]
Economic interest in affiliates	62.70%
Voting interest in affiliate	32.70%

Basis of Presentation (Narrativ

Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	$ 6,948	$ (38,475)	$ 96,799	$ (90,233)
Net income (loss)	(3,892)	(3,555)	59,346	(68,397)
Cash and cash equivalents	42,701	62,148	42,701	62,148	$ 58,853	$ 51,433
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	$ 6,948	(27,913)	96,799	(74,329)
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Overstatement [Member]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates			3,000
Net income (loss)			$ 1,800
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		$ (10,562)		$ (15,904)

Basis of Presentation (Assets a

Basis of Presentation (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets and Liabilities
Indemnification receivable from SS/L for pre-closing taxes	$ 1,953	$ 1,953
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets and Liabilities
Cash equivalents	40,264	53,129
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets and Liabilities
Cash equivalents
Sale of SS/L [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets and Liabilities
Indemnification receivable from SS/L for pre-closing taxes
Sale of SS/L [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets and Liabilities
Indemnification receivable from SS/L for pre-closing taxes	1,953	1,953
Globalstar do Brasil S.A. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets and Liabilities
Indemnifications liabilities
Globalstar do Brasil S.A. [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets and Liabilities
Indemnifications liabilities	$ 967	$ 1,006

Basis of Presentation (Addition

Basis of Presentation (Additional Cash Flow Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Non-cash operating items:
Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates	$ (6,948)	$ 38,475	$ (96,799)	$ 90,233
Deferred taxes			29,010	(33,248)
Depreciation			42	26
Amortization of prior service credit and actuarial (gain) loss			687	1,058
Net non-cash operating items - continuing operations			(67,060)	58,069
Continuing Operations [Member]
Supplemental information:
Interest paid			15	310
Tax payments (refunds)			194	1,785
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Supplemental information:
Interest paid			$ 641	$ 1,234

Accumulated Other Comprehensi36

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance			$ (28,698)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 1,713	$ (698)	11,289	$ 664
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	(17,409)		(17,409)		$ (28,698)
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance			(13,459)	(13,982)	(13,982)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification					(265)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			426		788
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			426		523
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	(13,033)		(13,033)		(13,459)
Proportionate Share of Telesat Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance			(15,239)	(15,239)	(15,239)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			10,863
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			10,863
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	(4,376)		(4,376)		(15,239)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance			(28,698)	$ (29,221)	(29,221)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			10,863		(265)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			426		788
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			11,289		523
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	$ (17,409)		$ (17,409)		$ (28,698)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi37

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Related Tax Effects) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Before-Tax Amount	[1]	$ 229	$ 205	$ 687	$ 1,058
Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount	[2]	2,580	(1,318)	17,522
Other comprehensive income (loss), Before-Tax Amount		2,809	(1,113)	18,209	1,058
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial loss, Tax (Provision) Benefit		(88)	(76)	(261)	(394)
Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss), Tax (Provision) Benefit		(1,008)	491	(6,659)
Other comprehensive income, Tax (Provision) Benefit		(1,096)	415	(6,920)	(394)
Amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial gain (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount		141	129	426	664
Proportionate share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount		1,572	(827)	10,863
Other comprehensive income (loss), Net-of-Tax Amount		$ 1,713	$ (698)	$ 11,289	$ 664
[1]	Reclassifications are included in general and administrative expenses.
[2]	See Note 6 for discussion of our share of Telesat other comprehensive income (loss).

Receivables (Narrative) (Detail

Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 02, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Proceeds From Collection Of Notes Receivable			$ 33,667
Land Note [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Land Note for sale of real estate of disposal group	$ 101,000
Proceeds From Collection Of Notes Receivable		$ 33,700
Interest rate on Land Note, start	1.00%
Interest rate on Land Note, end	1.50%

Other Current Assets (Schedule

Other Current Assets (Schedule of Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Indemnification receivable from SS/L for pre-closing taxes	$ 1,953	$ 1,953
Due from affiliates	233	381
Prepaid expenses	445	169
Income taxes receivable	270	358
Other	97	118
Total other current assets	$ 2,998	$ 2,979

Investments in Affiliates (Narr

Investments in Affiliates (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, CAD in Millions	3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016CADshares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2009USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)item$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$ 114,321,000							$ 114,321,000
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	6,948,000				$ (38,475,000)			96,799,000	$ (90,233,000)
Net income (loss)	$ (3,892,000)				(3,555,000)			$ 59,346,000	(68,397,000)
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Economic interest in affiliates	62.70%			62.80%				62.70%				62.80%
Voting interest in affiliate	32.70%							32.70%
Share appreciation rights exercised by Telesat employees | shares		178,642	178,642
Non-voting participating preferred stock issued to Telesat Employees | shares		129,400	129,400
Equity method investee, stock options buy back, shares | shares		1,253,477	1,253,477
Equity method investee, stock options buy back, amount | CAD		CAD 24.7
Equity method investment unrecognized loss in equity				$ 57,900,000								$ 57,900,000
Equity method investment unrecognized gain in other comprehensive income												20,800,000
Investments in affiliates	$ 114,321,000			0				$ 114,321,000				0
Equity method losses previously suspended recovered			$ 57,900,000
Equity method OCI previously suspended recovered			$ 20,800,000
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	6,948,000				(27,913,000)			96,799,000	(74,329,000)
Total assets	4,248,874,000			3,991,301,000				4,248,874,000				3,991,301,000
Long-term debt, including current portion	2,917,704,000			2,950,726,000				2,917,704,000				2,950,726,000
Capital expenditures								153,200,000	57,000,000
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member] | Management [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity method investee, stock options buy back, amount | CAD		CAD 18.7
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	0							0
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates					(10,562,000)				$ (15,904,000)
Total assets	$ 37,668,000			44,793,000				$ 37,668,000				$ 44,793,000
Percentage of ownership interest	56.00%							56.00%
Equity method investment, impairment				13,200,000	$ 8,000,000
Equity method investee, percentage of decline in revenue over previous year												11.00%
6% Senior Notes Due May 2017 [Member] | Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Interest on notes	6.00%							6.00%
Interest expense multiplier to determine EBITDA available for dividend distribution | item								1.40
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] | Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Total assets				(18,100,000)								$ (18,100,000)
Long-term debt, including current portion				(18,100,000)								(18,100,000)
Spainsat Lease Agreement [Member] | XTAR, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Maximum lease obligation, Annual											$ 28,000,000
Lease obligation, Annual											26,000,000
Amended lease obligation, Annual										$ 18,200,000	$ 18,200,000
Lease Obligation, Reduction							$ 4,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Lease agreement, past due														$ 32,300,000
Lease agreement, deferred amount													$ 6,700,000
Repayment term past due and deferred lease obligation, years						12 years
Deferred lease obligation, annual payment						$ 5,000,000
Discount rate for prepayment of restructured past due and deferred lease obligation						9.00%
Cumulative payments of restructured past due and deferred lease obligation								29,200,000
Equity method investment, investee past due liability	$ 24,600,000			$ 17,700,000				24,600,000				$ 17,700,000
Overstatement [Member] | Telesat Holdings Inc [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates								3,000,000
Net income (loss)								$ 1,800,000
Earnings per share, basic and diluted | $ / shares								$ 0.06

Investments in Affiliates (Inve

Investments in Affiliates (Investments in Affiliates) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$ 114,321,000
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	114,321,000	$ 0
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates	$ 0

Investments in Affiliates (Equi

Investments in Affiliates (Equity in Net Income (Losses) of Affiliates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	$ 6,948	$ (38,475)	$ 96,799	$ (90,233)
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	$ 6,948	(27,913)	$ 96,799	(74,329)
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates		$ (10,562)		$ (15,904)

Investments in Affiliates (Eq43

Investments in Affiliates (Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Summary Financial Data:
Revenues		$ 172,336	$ 187,937	$ 522,849	$ 557,313
Operating expenses		(34,626)	(34,032)	(102,853)	(102,918)
Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation		(49,816)	(46,239)	(147,207)	(145,067)
Gain (loss) on disposition of long lived asset		(19)	(7)	(1,932)	(28)
Operating income (loss)		87,875	107,659	270,857	309,300
Interest expense		(34,311)	(34,533)	(104,662)	(104,804)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		(33,639)	(164,235)	120,632	(333,076)
Gains (losses) on financial instruments		2,587	2,968	(3,364)	4,164
Other income (expense)		1,518	857	3,301	2,232
Income tax provision		(13,556)	(16,289)	(39,625)	(54,368)
Net income (loss)		10,474	(103,573)	247,139	(176,552)
Current assets		656,254		656,254		$ 568,324
Total assets		4,248,874		4,248,874		3,991,301
Current liabilities		1,282,027		1,282,027		180,462
Long-term debt, including current portion		2,917,704		2,917,704		2,950,726
Total liabilities		3,626,535		3,626,535		3,617,867
Shareholders' equity/Members' equity		622,339		622,339		373,434
XTAR, LLC [Member]
Summary Financial Data:
Revenues		3,815	6,552	14,115	19,249
Operating expenses	[1]	(1,882)	(8,079)	(18,075)	(24,185)
Depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation		(2,191)	(2,190)	(6,575)	(6,682)
Operating income (loss)		(258)	(3,717)	(10,535)	(11,618)
Net income (loss)		(706)	$ (5,177)	(12,745)	$ (14,444)
Current assets		6,983		6,983		7,533
Total assets		37,668		37,668		44,793
Current liabilities		49,723		49,723		41,712
Total liabilities		72,655		72,655		68,126
Shareholders' equity/Members' equity		$ (34,987)		$ (34,987)		$ (23,333)
[1]	During the three months ended September 30, 2016, pursuant to the Spainsat Lease Agreement, as amended, XTAR recorded a $6 million reduction in transponder lease charges of which $4 million relates to the six months ended June 30, 2016.

Other Current Liabilities (Sche

Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Other Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued professional fees, current	$ 941	$ 871
Pension and other postretirement liabilities	120	120
Accrued liabilities	238	350
Other current liabilities, total	6,847	12,055
ViaSat Lawsuit [Member]
Indemnification liabilities	$ 5,548	$ 10,714

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits relating to UTPs	$ 72
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued	7.4
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties accrued	6.4
Potential change in unrecognized tax benefits during next twelve months	3.9
Unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce the income tax provision	$ 31.3

Income Taxes (Summary of Income

Income Taxes (Summary of Income Tax Benefit (Provision)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Total current income tax (provision) benefit	$ (713)	$ (517)	$ (2,056)	$ (2,347)
Total deferred income tax (provision) benefit	(8,198)	37,451	(29,010)	33,248
Income tax (provision) benefit	$ (8,911)	$ 36,934	$ (31,066)	$ 30,901

Income Taxes (Summary of Uncert

Income Taxes (Summary of Uncertain Tax Positions Included in Income Tax Provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current (provision) benefit for UTPs	$ (636)	$ (507)	$ (1,774)	$ (784)
Deferred benefit (provision) for UTPs	289	187	801	244
Tax (provision) benefit for UTPs	$ (347)	$ (320)	$ (973)	$ (540)

Income Taxes (Summary of Change

Income Taxes (Summary of Changes to Company's Liabilities For UTPs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Opening balance - January 1	$ 69,511	$ 77,133
Potential additional interest	1,779	1,695
Statute expirations	(5)	(174)
Tax settlements		(737)
Ending balance	$ 71,285	$ 77,917

Long-Term Liabilities (Schedule

Long-Term Liabilities (Schedule of Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Indemnification liabilities	$ 967	$ 1,006
Deferred tax liability	385
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	71,285	69,511	$ 77,917	$ 77,133
Other	238	307
Long term liabilities	$ 72,875	73,578
ViaSat Lawsuit [Member]
Indemnification liabilities		$ 2,754

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Unconverted restricted stock units	75,262	75,262

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investment Economic Ownership Percentage	62.70%
Percentage of economic interest as result of dilution upon exercise of stock options	61.80%

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Dilutive Impact of Equity Method Investee Stock Options) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations - basic	$ (3,821)	$ (3,347)	$ 59,652	$ (67,823)
Less: Adjustment for dilutive effect of Telesat stock options			(2,302)
Income (loss) from continuing operations - diluted			$ 57,350

Earnings Per Share (Schedule 53

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares for Calculating Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average common shares outstanding	30,933	30,933	30,933	30,926
Unconverted restricted stock units			75
Common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	30,933	30,933	31,008	30,926

Earnings Per Share (Summary of

Earnings Per Share (Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Excluded from the Calculation of Diluted Loss Per Share) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Unvested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share	75	75	78

Pensions and Other Employee B55

Pensions and Other Employee Benefits Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Company's discretionary one-time payment to other participants	$ 0.8

Pensions and Other Employee B56

Pensions and Other Employee Benefits Plans (Components of Net Periodic Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 167	$ 128	$ 501	$ 384
Interest cost	495	474	1,486	1,422
Expected return on plan assets	(512)	(526)	(1,535)	(1,580)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	223	199	667	597
Net periodic cost	373	275	1,119	823
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost			1	1
Interest cost	6	6	16	33
Recognition due to settlement				428
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1	3	4	25
Amortization of prior service credits	5	3	16	8
Net periodic cost	$ 12	$ 12	$ 37	$ 495

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Indemnification receivable from SS/L for pre-closing taxes			$ 1,953	$ 1,953
Globalstar do Brasil S.A. [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Indemnification liabilities			1,000	1,000
ViaSat Lawsuit [Member] | Sale of SS/L [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Lawsuit settlement amount, joint & several liability		$ 100,000
Lawsuit settlement initial payment, joint & several liability		40,000
Lawsuit settlement future payments, joint & several liability		60,000	13,500	32,400
Lawsuit settlement amount of each installment, joint & several liability		$ 6,900
Lawsuit settlement installment start date, joint & several liability		Oct. 15, 2014
Lawsuit settlement installment end date, joint & several liability		Jan. 15, 2017
Obligation with joint and several liability arrangement, amount recognized					$ 45,000
Obligation with joint and several liability amount payable by counterparty					$ 55,000
Cumulative Payments For Legal Settlements			40,500
Payments for legal settlements	$ 2,800
Lawsuit settlement installments remaining	1
Lawsuit settlement, total amount outstanding installments	$ 2,800
Lawsuit settlement installment discount rate	3.25%
Lawsuit settlement obligation carrying value			$ 5,500	$ 13,500
September 2014 [Member] | ViaSat Lawsuit [Member] | Sale of SS/L [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Settlement agreement date			September 2,014
Settlement agreement, plaintiff's name			ViaSat
Settlement agreement, counterparty's name			SS/L
Lawsuit Settlement Installment Number, Joint and Several Liability			10
Lawsuit settlement installment frequency, joint & several liability			quarterly

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 11, 2011	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2009
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amounts due under the transaction		$ 233,000			$ 233,000		$ 381,000
Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Economic interest in affiliates		62.70%			62.70%
Common stock, percentage acquired by an unaffiliated third party					90.00%
Duration for shares to be paid, days					10 days
Xtar [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest		56.00%			56.00%
MHR Funds [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding voting common stock					39.90%		38.00%
Percentage of combined ownership of voting and non-voting common stock		58.40%			58.40%		57.10%
Transaction, Consulting Agreement [Member] | Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, date					Oct. 31, 2007
Transaction term					7 years
Consulting agreement, renewal term					7 years
Related party annual transaction rate					7.00%
Transaction income during the period		$ 1,250,000	$ 1,250,000		$ 3,800,000	$ 3,800,000
Transaction payments received during the period					3,600,000	3,600,000
Transaction, notes receivable		0			$ 0		$ 0
Transaction, Consulting Agreement [Member] | Director [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, date					Dec. 14, 2012
Transaction fee		360,000	360,000		$ 1,080,000	1,080,000
Transaction income during the period		15,750	15,750		47,250	47,250
Transaction, Supplemental Capacity Revenue Share [Member] | Viasat and Telesat [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transaction term	4 years
Transaction income during the period			$ 200,000			$ 600,000
Amounts due under the transaction		0			0		200,000
Duration of contract assigned to Telesat	15 years
Percentage of entity's entitlement to net revenue of related party	50.00%
Transaction, Management Agreement [Member] | Xtar [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amounts due under the transaction - Noncurrent		6,800,000			6,800,000		6,800,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent		$ 6,600,000			6,600,000		$ 6,600,000
Management fee charged as a percentage of revenue				3.70%
Annual Fee [Member] | Transaction, Consulting Agreement [Member] | Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transaction fee					5,000,000
Annual Fee [Member] | Transaction, Welfare Plan Participation Administrative Fee [Member] | Telesat Holdings Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transaction fee					100,000
Monthly Fee [Member] | Transaction, Consulting Agreement [Member] | Director [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transaction fee					$ 120,000
Years 2003 to 2006 [Member] | Telesat Holdings Inc [Member] | Brazil [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Tax assessment imposed audit								$ 2,300,000