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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (4,013)	$ (3,295)	$ (15,922)	$ (20,603)
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock	(12)		(12)	(11)
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders	$ (4,025)	$ (3,295)	$ (15,934)	$ (20,614)