Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ 1,591	$ (33)	$ (13,490)	$ 939
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock	(9)		(27)	(19)
Net income (loss) attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ 1,582	$ (33)	$ (13,517)	$ 920