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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (14,041)	$ 1,591	$ (20,306)	$ (13,490)
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock	(7)	(9)	(7)	(27)
Net (loss) income attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ (14,048)	$ 1,582	$ (20,313)	$ (13,517)