<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>326</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>581</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>97</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>9</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>103 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>104 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>105 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>106 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternativeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>107 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>108 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>109 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirectParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>110 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>111 - Disclosure - Organization and Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Business</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>112 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>113 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>114 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>115 - Disclosure - Stock-based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-based Compensation</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>116 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>117 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMarketableSecuritiesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>118 - Disclosure - Satellite Network and Other Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSatelliteNetworkAndOtherEquipmentTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Satellite Network and Other Equipment</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>119 - Disclosure - Restricted Cash</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Restricted Cash</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>120 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>121 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>122 - Disclosure - Deferred Revenue</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDeferredRevenueByArrangementDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Deferred Revenue</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>123 - Disclosure - Note Payable - Related Party</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Note Payable - Related Party</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>124 - Disclosure - Note Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Note Payable</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>125 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>126 - Disclosure - Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>127 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>128 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>129 - Disclosure - Employee Incentive Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Incentive Plans</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>130 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>131 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>132 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventsTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>133 - Disclosure - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>134 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>135 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>136 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>137 - Disclosure - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>138 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>139 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMarketableSecuritiesTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>140 - Disclosure - Satellite Network and Other Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSatelliteNetworkAndOtherEquipmentTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Satellite Network and Other Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>141 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>142 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>143 - Disclosure - Deferred Revenue (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDeferredRevenueByArrangementDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Deferred Revenue (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>144 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>145 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>146 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>147 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>148 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>149 - Disclosure - Organization and Business - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Business - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>150 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>151 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>152 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Customers with Revenues Greater than 10% (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCustomersWithRevenuesGreaterThan10</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Customers with Revenues Greater than 10% (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>153 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Customers with Revenues Greater than 10% (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCustomersWithRevenuesGreaterThan10Parenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Customers with Revenues Greater than 10% (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>154 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Customers with Accounts Receivable Greater than 10% (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCustomersWithAccountsReceivableGreaterThan10</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Customers with Accounts Receivable Greater than 10% (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>155 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>156 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Purchase Price Allocation for Acquisition (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationForAcquisition</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Purchase Price Allocation for Acquisition (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>157 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Summary of Useful Lives of Customer Relationships Based on Customer Attrition (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsSummaryOfUsefulLivesOfCustomerRelationshipsBasedOnCustomerAttrition</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Summary of Useful Lives of Customer Relationships Based on Customer Attrition (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>158 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Purchase Price (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsSummaryOfEstimatedFairValuesOfPurchasePrice</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Purchase Price (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>159 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Purchase Price (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsSummaryOfEstimatedFairValuesOfPurchasePriceParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Purchase Price (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>160 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Summary of Supplemental Pro Forma Results of GlobalTrak and LMS (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsSummaryOfSupplementalProFormaResultsOfGlobalTrakAndLMS</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Summary of Supplemental Pro Forma Results of GlobalTrak and LMS (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>161 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>162 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationStockBasedCompensationExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>163 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Appreciation Rights (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationSummaryOfStockAppreciationRights</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Appreciation Rights (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>164 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Fair Value of Stock Appreciation Rights Estimated through Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationFairValueOfStockAppreciationRightsEstimatedThroughBlackScholesOptionPricingModel</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Fair Value of Stock Appreciation Rights Estimated through Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>165 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Units (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationSummaryOfRestrictedStockUnits</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Units (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>166 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationSummaryOfStockOptions</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>167 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomeLossAttributableToORBCOMMIncCommonStockholdersAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>168 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Determination of Diluted Income (Loss) per Share, Excluding Potentially Dilutive Securities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomeLossAttributableToORBCOMMIncCommonStockholdersSummaryOfDeterminationOfDilutedIncomeLossPerShareExcludingPotentiallyDilutiveSecurities</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Determination of Diluted Income (Loss) per Share, Excluding Potentially Dilutive Securities (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>169 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities - Summary of Marketable Securities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMarketableSecuritiesSummaryOfMarketableSecurities</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities - Summary of Marketable Securities (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>170 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMarketableSecuritiesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>171 - Disclosure - Satellite Network and Other Equipment - Summary of Satellite Network and Other Equipment (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSatelliteNetworkAndOtherEquipmentSummaryOfSatelliteNetworkAndOtherEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Satellite Network and Other Equipment - Summary of Satellite Network and Other Equipment (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>172 - Disclosure - Satellite Network and Other Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSatelliteNetworkAndOtherEquipmentAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Satellite Network and Other Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>173 - Disclosure - Restricted Cash - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestrictedCashAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Restricted Cash - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>174 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Components of Goodwill (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsComponentsOfGoodwill</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Components of Goodwill (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>175 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>176 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Components of Intangible Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsComponentsOfIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Components of Intangible Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>177 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAmortizationExpenseForIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>178 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities - Components of Accrued Liabilities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccruedLiabilitiesComponentsOfAccruedLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities - Components of Accrued Liabilities (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>179 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities - Summary of Accrued Warranty Obligations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccruedLiabilitiesSummaryOfAccruedWarrantyObligations</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities - Summary of Accrued Warranty Obligations (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>180 - Disclosure - Deferred Revenues - Summary of Deferred Revenues (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDeferredRevenuesSummaryOfDeferredRevenues</Role>
      <ShortName>Deferred Revenues - Summary of Deferred Revenues (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>181 - Disclosure - Note Payable - Related Party - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotePayableRelatedPartyAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note Payable - Related Party - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>182 - Disclosure - Note Payable - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotePayableAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note Payable - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>183 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>184 - Disclosure - Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>185 - Disclosure - Segment Information - Summary of Revenues on Percentage Basis by Geographic Region (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationSummaryOfRevenuesOnPercentageBasisByGeographicRegion</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information - Summary of Revenues on Percentage Basis by Geographic Region (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>186 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Summary of Company's Provision for Income Taxes (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfCompanysProvisionForIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Summary of Company's Provision for Income Taxes (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>187 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Summary of United States and Foreign Income (Loss) before Income Taxes (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfUnitedStatesAndForeignIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Summary of United States and Foreign Income (Loss) before Income Taxes (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>188 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesComponentsOfNetDeferredTaxAssetsLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>189 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Taxes Differs from Amount Computed by Applying Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesScheduleOfIncomeTaxesDiffersFromAmountComputedByApplyingStatutoryUSFederalIncomeTaxRate</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Taxes Differs from Amount Computed by Applying Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>190 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Taxes Differs from Amount Computed by Applying Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesScheduleOfIncomeTaxesDiffersFromAmountComputedByApplyingStatutoryUSFederalIncomeTaxRateParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Taxes Differs from Amount Computed by Applying Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>191 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>192 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Summary of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingAmountOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Summary of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>193 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>194 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDueUnderNonCancelableOperatingLeases</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>195 - Disclosure - Employee Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeIncentivePlansAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>196 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesSupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivities</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>197 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesSupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities - Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R97.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>198 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data - Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialDataQuarterlyResultsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data - Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R98.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>199 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R99.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>200 - Disclosure - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://orbcomm.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleIIValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '199 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 103 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 104 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 105 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '9 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 106 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 107 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 108 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 109 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical)</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>orbc-20131231.xml</File>
    <File>orbc-20131231.xsd</File>
    <File>orbc-20131231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>orbc-20131231_def.xml</File>
    <File>orbc-20131231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>orbc-20131231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
