Summary of Significant Accounting Principles	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Principles	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The accompanying financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, and investments in variable interest entities in which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The portions of majority-owned subsidiaries that the Company does not own are reflected as noncontrolling interests in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Investments Investments in entities over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company considers several factors in determining whether it has the ability to exercise significant influence with respect to investments, including, but not limited to, direct and indirect ownership level in the voting securities, active participation on the board of directors, approval of operating and budgeting decisions and other participatory and protective rights. Under the equity method, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of such investee is reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations. When the Company does not exercise significant influence over the investee, the investment is accounted for under the cost method. Although the Company owns interests in companies that it accounts for pursuant to the equity method, the investments in those entities had no carrying value as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company has no guarantees or other funding obligations to those entities. The Company had no equity in or losses of those investees for the three months March 31, 2017 and 2016. Acquisition-related and Integration Costs Acquisition-related and integration costs are expensed as incurred and are presented separately on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. These costs may include professional services expenses and identifiable integration costs directly relating to acquisitions. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company has no financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur the Company is required to evaluate its non-financial assets for impairment and any resulting asset impairment would require that a non-financial asset be recorded at the fair value. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement Disclosure,” prioritizes inputs used in measuring fair value into a hierarchy of three levels: Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets; Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing. The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. As of March 31, 2017, the carrying value of the Secured Credit Facilities, as defined below, approximated its fair value as the debt is at variable interest rates. The fair value of the Note payable-related party is deminimus. Concentration of Credit Risk The Company’s customers are primarily commercial organizations. Accounts receivable are generally unsecured. Accounts receivable are due in accordance with payment terms included in contracts negotiated with customers. Amounts due from customers are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts are past due, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligations to the Company and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they are deemed uncollectible. There were no customers with revenues greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. There were no customers who comprised greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of March 31, 2017. One customer, Caterpillar, Inc., comprised 10.5% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2017, the Company did not maintain in-orbit insurance coverage for its ORBCOMM Generation 1 (“OG1”) or ORBCOMM Generation 2 (“OG2”) satellites to address the risk of potential systemic anomalies, failures or catastrophic events affecting its satellite constellation. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, inventory consisted primarily of finished goods and purchased parts to be utilized by its contract manufacturer totaling $18,030 and $14,531, respectively, and $5,371 and $8,686, respectively, of raw materials, net of inventory obsolescence. The Company reviews inventory quantities on hand and evaluates the realizability of inventories and adjusts the carrying value as necessary based on forecasted product demand. A provision, recorded in cost of product sales on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations, is made for potential losses on slow moving and obsolete inventories when identified. Valuation of Long-lived Assets Property and equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company measures recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the projected cash flows the assets are expected to generate. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value. The Company’s satellite constellation and related assets are evaluated as a single asset group whenever facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are identified, recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by comparing their carrying amount to the projected cash flows the assets are expected to generate. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including the allocation of cash flows to assets or asset groups and, if required, an estimate of fair value for those assets or asset groups. If a satellite were to fail while in-orbit, the resulting loss would be charged to expense in the period it is determined that the satellite is not recoverable. Warranty Costs The Company accrues for one-year warranty coverage on product sales estimated at the time of sale based on historical costs to repair or replace products for customers compared to historical product revenues. The warranty accrual is included in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Refer to “Note 8 – Accrued Liabilities” for more information. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. As a result, the new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption prior to the original effective date is not permitted. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018 and apply the modified retrospective method. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, if any, and will continue to provide updates during 2017. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 requires an entity to recognize assets and liabilities arising from a lease for both financing and operating leases, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, if any. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”) and is effective beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The adoption of this standard, which will be applied prospectively, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The accompanying financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, and investments in variable interest entities in which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The portions of majority-owned subsidiaries that the Company does not own are reflected as noncontrolling interests in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Investments

Investments in entities over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company considers several factors in determining whether it has the ability to exercise significant influence with respect to investments, including, but not limited to, direct and indirect ownership level in the voting securities, active participation on the board of directors, approval of operating and budgeting decisions and other participatory and protective rights. Under the equity method, the Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of such investee is reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations. When the Company does not exercise significant influence over the investee, the investment is accounted for under the cost method.

Although the Company owns interests in companies that it accounts for pursuant to the equity method, the investments in those entities had no carrying value as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company has no guarantees or other funding obligations to those entities. The Company had no equity in or losses of those investees for the three months March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Acquisition-related and Integration Costs

Acquisition-related and integration costs are expensed as incurred and are presented separately on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. These costs may include professional services expenses and identifiable integration costs directly relating to acquisitions.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has no financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur the Company is required to evaluate its non-financial assets for impairment and any resulting asset impairment would require that a non-financial asset be recorded at the fair value. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement Disclosure,” prioritizes inputs used in measuring fair value into a hierarchy of three levels: Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets; Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. As of March 31, 2017, the carrying value of the Secured Credit Facilities, as defined below, approximated its fair value as the debt is at variable interest rates. The fair value of the Note payable-related party is deminimus.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company’s customers are primarily commercial organizations. Accounts receivable are generally unsecured.

Accounts receivable are due in accordance with payment terms included in contracts negotiated with customers. Amounts due from customers are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts are past due, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligations to the Company and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they are deemed uncollectible.

There were no customers with revenues greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

There were no customers who comprised greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of March 31, 2017. One customer, Caterpillar, Inc., comprised 10.5% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2016.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company did not maintain in-orbit insurance coverage for its ORBCOMM Generation 1 (“OG1”) or ORBCOMM Generation 2 (“OG2”) satellites to address the risk of potential systemic anomalies, failures or catastrophic events affecting its satellite constellation.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, inventory consisted primarily of finished goods and purchased parts to be utilized by its contract manufacturer totaling $18,030 and $14,531, respectively, and $5,371 and $8,686, respectively, of raw materials, net of inventory obsolescence. The Company reviews inventory quantities on hand and evaluates the realizability of inventories and adjusts the carrying value as necessary based on forecasted product demand. A provision, recorded in cost of product sales on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations, is made for potential losses on slow moving and obsolete inventories when identified.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets

Property and equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company measures recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the projected cash flows the assets are expected to generate. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value.

The Company’s satellite constellation and related assets are evaluated as a single asset group whenever facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are identified, recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by comparing their carrying amount to the projected cash flows the assets are expected to generate.

Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including the allocation of cash flows to assets or asset groups and, if required, an estimate of fair value for those assets or asset groups.

If a satellite were to fail while in-orbit, the resulting loss would be charged to expense in the period it is determined that the satellite is not recoverable.

Warranty Costs

The Company accrues for one-year warranty coverage on product sales estimated at the time of sale based on historical costs to repair or replace products for customers compared to historical product revenues. The warranty accrual is included in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Refer to “Note 8 – Accrued Liabilities” for more information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. As a result, the new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption prior to the original effective date is not permitted. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018 and apply the modified retrospective method. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, if any, and will continue to provide updates during 2017.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 requires an entity to recognize assets and liabilities arising from a lease for both financing and operating leases, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, if any.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”) and is effective beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The adoption of this standard, which will be applied prospectively, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.