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								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (3,205)	$ (14,041)	$ (4,169)	$ (2,096)	$ 239	$ 1,591	$ (12,208)	$ (2,873)	$ (23,511)	$ (13,251)	$ (4,684)
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock									(14)	(36)	(37)
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders									$ (23,525)	$ (13,287)	$ (4,721)