Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (3,869)	$ (3,222)	$ (15,651)	$ (20,387)
Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation adjustments	(561)	(159)	(779)	(561)
Other comprehensive loss	(561)	(159)	(779)	(561)
Comprehensive loss	(4,430)	(3,381)	(16,430)	(20,948)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(133)	(71)	(243)	(209)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (4,563)	$ (3,452)	$ (16,673)	$ (21,157)