Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information:
Entity Registrant Name	Competitive Technologies Inc
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	true
Amendment Description	1
Entity Central Index Key	0000102198
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	15,237,304
Entity Public Float	$ 6.9
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY