Net Loss Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Basic and Diluted Calculations of EPS (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ (10,740)	$ (4,169)	$ (14,083)	$ (6,265)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding	71,978	70,900	71,703	70,800
Diluted number of common shares outstanding	71,978	70,900	71,703	70,800
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ (0.15)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.09)
Diluted	$ (0.15)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.09)