Net (loss) Income Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Net Income Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc, Common Stockholders (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (431)	$ 1,108
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock	(10)	(16)
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ (441)	$ 1,092