Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (39,663)	$ (13,989)	$ (53,710)	$ (20,148)
Other comprehensive income - Foreign currency translation adjustments	154	191	765	863
Other comprehensive income	154	191	765	863
Comprehensive loss	(39,509)	(13,798)	(52,945)	(19,285)
Less: Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19)	(51)	(50)	(151)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (39,528)	$ (13,849)	$ (52,995)	$ (19,436)

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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