Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
REVENUES	$ 19,494	$ 17,314	$ 56,837	$ 50,694
COST OF REVENUES	10,140	10,301	30,258	28,348
GROSS PROFIT	9,354	7,013	26,579	22,346
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development	3,035	2,955	8,991	9,128
Sales and marketing	2,643	2,548	7,853	7,332
General and administrative	2,520	2,171	8,236	7,648
Amortization of intangible assets	661	742	1,995	2,281
Restructuring charges	125	95	125	585
Total operating expenses	8,984	8,511	27,200	26,974
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	370	(1,498)	(621)	(4,628)
Other income, net	64	77	266	323
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	434	(1,421)	(355)	(4,305)
Expense (benefit) for income taxes	216	(492)	(13)	(1,553)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	218	(929)	(342)	(2,752)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(274)		(740)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PCTEL, INC.	492	(929)	398	(2,752)
Less: adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests	(106)		(762)
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ 386	$ (929)	$ (364)	$ (2,752)
Basic Earnings per Share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 0.02	$ (0.05)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.16)
Diluted Earnings per Share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 0.02	$ (0.05)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.16)
Weighted average shares - Basic	17,238	17,360	17,239	17,463
Weighted average shares - Diluted	17,640	17,360	17,239	17,463