Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares subject to vesting	148
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ 1,865	$ (1,111)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(353)
Net income (loss) attributable to PCTEL, Inc .	1,865	(758)
Less: adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests	0	(122)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	1,865	(880)
Denominator:
Common shares outstanding	17,684	17,264
Earnings per common share - basic
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 0.11	$ (0.05)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	1,865	(1,111)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(353)
Net income (loss) attributable to PCTEL, Inc .	1,865	(758)
Less: adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests	0	(122)
Net income (loss) available to commons shareholders	$ 1,865	$ (880)
Denominator:
Common shares outstanding	17,684	17,264
Common stock option grants and deferred grants	79
Total shares	17,911	17,264
Earnings per common share - diluted
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 0.10	$ (0.05)