Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
REVENUES	$ 19,109	$ 17,807	$ 37,343	$ 33,380
COST OF REVENUES	10,105	9,693	20,118	18,047
GROSS PROFIT	9,004	8,114	17,225	15,333
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development	3,041	3,088	9,196	6,173
Sales and marketing	2,601	2,526	5,210	4,785
General and administrative	2,999	2,925	5,716	5,477
Amortization of intangible assets	661	776	1,334	1,539
Restructuring charges		490		490
Total operating expenses	9,302	9,805	21,456	18,464
OPERATING LOSS	(298)	(1,691)	(4,231)	(3,131)
Other income, net	125	87	1,855	246
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(173)	(1,604)	(2,376)	(2,885)
Expense (benefit) for income taxes	76	(575)	(228)	(1,061)
NET LOSS	(249)	(1,029)	(2,148)	(1,824)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(274)		(2,055)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PCTEL, INC.	25	(1,029)	(93)	(1,824)
Adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests	(106)		(1,272)
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ (81)	$ (1,029)	$ (1,365)	$ (1,824)
Basic Earnings per Share:
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ 0	$ (0.06)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.10)
Diluted Earnings per Share:
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ 0	$ (0.06)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.10)
Weighted average shares - Basic	17,355	17,540	17,259	17,454
Weighted average shares - Diluted	17,355	17,540	17,259	17,454