Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (7,609)	$ (6,641)	$ (18,000)	$ (13,478)
Other comprehensive income (loss) - foreign currency translation adjustments	318	245	(1,590)	308
Other comprehensive income (loss)	318	245	(1,590)	308
Comprehensive loss	(7,291)	(6,396)	(19,590)	(13,170)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(45)	(43)	(172)	(138)
Comprehensive loss attributable to ORBCOMM Inc.	$ (7,336)	$ (6,439)	$ (19,762)	$ (13,308)