Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders - Summary of Net Loss Attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (5,641)	$ (3,295)	$ (7,222)	$ (10,086)	$ (7,519)	$ (39,682)	$ (10,740)	$ (3,343)	$ (26,244)	$ (61,284)	$ (23,511)
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock									(18)	(12)	(14)
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders									$ (26,262)	$ (61,296)	$ (23,525)