Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,645	$ 4	$ (13,315)	$ 1,044
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	186	(367)	(358)	(425)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	186	(367)	(358)	(425)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,831	(363)	(13,673)	619
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(50)	(93)	(225)	(168)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ 1,781	$ (456)	$ (13,898)	$ 451