| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001418819 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Iridium Communications Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-33963 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-1344998 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1750 Tysons Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | McLean |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 22102 |
| City Area Code | 703 |
| Local Phone Number | 287-7400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | IRDM |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
