Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (7,102)	$ (10,746)	$ (17,165)	$ (14,047)
Other comprehensive (loss) income - Foreign currency translation adjustments	(822)	415	(402)	611
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(822)	415	(402)	611
Comprehensive loss	(7,924)	(10,331)	(17,567)	(13,436)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(113)	5	(138)	(31)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (8,037)	$ (10,326)	$ (17,705)	$ (13,467)