Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Net Loss Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (4,169)	$ (12,208)	$ (6,265)	$ (15,081)
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock		(9)		(18)
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ (4,169)	$ (12,217)	$ (6,265)	$ (15,099)