v3.26.3
Document And Entity Information - $ / shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2026
Oct. 13, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name Iridium Communications Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001418819    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Trading Symbol IRDM    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Document Quarterly Report true    
Document Type 10-Q    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2026    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026    
Entity Address, Address Line One 1676 International Drive, Suite 1100,    
Entity Address, City or Town McLean,    
Entity Address, State or Province VA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 22102    
Document Transition Report false    
City Area Code 703    
Local Phone Number 703-287-7400    
Entity File Number 001-33963    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.001 par value    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   106,158,479  
Entity Tax Identification Number 26-1344998    
NASDAQ/NGS (GLOBAL SELECT MARKET) [Member]      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Common Stock, Shares [Member]      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share $ 0.001   $ 0.001