Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Net (Loss) Income Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ 239	$ 1,591	$ (12,208)	$ (2,873)	$ (5,623)	$ (33)	$ 1,403	$ (431)	$ (13,251)	$ (4,684)	$ 4,599
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock									(36)	(37)	(59)
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders									$ (13,287)	$ (4,721)	$ 4,540