Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (3,222)	$ (39,663)	$ (20,387)	$ (53,710)
Other comprehensive (loss) income - foreign currency translation adjustments	(159)	154	(561)	765
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(159)	154	(561)	765
Comprehensive loss	(3,381)	(39,509)	(20,948)	(52,945)
Less: Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(71)	(19)	(209)	(50)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (3,452)	$ (39,528)	$ (21,157)	$ (52,995)