Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Numerator:
Net loss	$ (137)	$ (215)	$ (1,248)	$ (560)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(334)	(240)	(687)	(467)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PCTEL, INC.	197	25	(561)	(93)
Less: adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests	(526)	(93)	(648)	(656)
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	(329)	(68)	(1,209)	(749)
Denominator:
Common shares outstanding	17,404	17,355	17,317	17,259
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (0.02)	$ 0.00	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)
Numerator:
Net loss	(137)	(215)	(1,248)	(560)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(334)	(240)	(687)	(467)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PCTEL, INC.	197	25	(561)	(93)
Less: adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests	(526)	(93)	(648)	(656)
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (329)	$ (68)	$ (1,209)	$ (749)
Denominator:
Common shares outstanding	17,404	17,355	17,317	17,259
Total shares	17,404	17,355	17,317	17,259
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (0.02)	$ 0.00	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)
Restricted Stock [Member]
Denominator:
Restricted shares and performance shares subject to vesting
Stock Options [Member]
Denominator:
Restricted shares and performance shares subject to vesting