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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (2,501)	$ (4,013)	$ (6,419)	$ (5,490)	$ (5,641)	$ (3,295)	$ (7,222)	$ (10,086)	$ (18,423)	$ (26,244)	$ (61,284)
Preferred stock dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock									(12)	(18)	(12)
Net loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc. common stockholders									$ (18,435)	$ (26,262)	$ (61,296)