Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (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
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
REVENUES	$ 19,993	$ 19,109	$ 37,154	$ 37,343
COST OF REVENUES	11,323	10,105	21,306	20,118
GROSS PROFIT	8,670	9,004	15,848	17,225
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development	2,789	2,973	5,596	5,955
Sales and marketing	2,580	2,601	5,096	5,210
General and administrative	2,655	2,999	5,407	5,716
Amortization of intangible assets	745	661	1,490	1,334
Total operating expenses	8,769	9,234	17,589	18,215
OPERATING LOSS	(99)	(230)	(1,741)	(990)
Other income, net	39	91	114	202
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(60)	(139)	(1,627)	(788)
Expense (benefit) for income taxes	77	76	(379)	(228)
NET LOSS	(137)	(215)	(1,248)	(560)
Less: 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)
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (0.02)	$ 0.00	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (0.02)	$ 0.00	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)
Weighted average shares - Basic	17,404	17,355	17,317	17,259
Weighted average shares - Diluted	17,404	17,355	17,317	17,259
Cash dividend per share	$ 0.03	$ 0.00	$ 0.06	$ 0.00