Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 17,061	$ 19,418
Short-term investment securities	30,705	42,210
Cash held in escrow	500	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $120 and $132 at Sep 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	21,210	14,342
Inventories, net	16,060	13,911
Deferred tax assets, net	896	896
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,054	2,277
Total current assets	87,486	93,054
Property and equipment, net	14,702	13,590
Long-term investment securities	261	7,177
Goodwill	9,651	161
Intangible assets, net	11,959	9,332
Deferred tax assets, net	8,831	8,831
Other noncurrent assets	1,584	1,319
TOTAL ASSETS	134,474	133,464
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	8,028	5,651
Accrued liabilities	6,574	7,092
Total current liabilities	14,602	12,743
Contingent consideration	1,147	0
Other long-term liabilities	2,695	2,144
Total long-term liabilities	3,842	2,144
Total liabilities	18,444	14,887
Redeemable equity	0	1,731
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 18,515,538 and 18,218,537 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	18	18
Additional paid-in capital	139,416	137,117
Accumulated deficit	(23,533)	(20,941)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	129	121
Total stockholders' equity of PCTEL, Inc.	116,030	116,315
Noncontrolling interest	0	531
Total equity	116,030	116,846
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	134,474	133,464
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
ASSETS
Intangible assets, net	$ 943	$ 1,070