Net (Loss) Income Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Net (Loss) Income Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (12,208)	$ 1,403	$ (15,081)	$ 972
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock	(9)	(9)	(18)	(19)
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ (12,217)	$ 1,394	$ (15,099)	$ 953