Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (6,641)	$ (6,386)	$ (13,478)	$ (11,782)
Other comprehensive income (loss) - foreign currency translation adjustments	245	297	308	(218)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	245	297	308	(218)
Comprehensive loss	(6,396)	(6,089)	(13,170)	(12,000)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(43)	(25)	(138)	(110)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (6,439)	$ (6,114)	$ (13,308)	$ (12,110)