Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (404)	$ 1,170
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax-Foreign currency translation adjustments		(154)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(154)
Comprehensive income	(404)	1,016
Less comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(28)	(91)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (432)	$ 925