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
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (3,343)	$ (2,096)
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ (3,343)	$ (2,096)