Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
REVENUES	$ 25,073	$ 17,161
COST OF REVENUES	15,475	9,983
GROSS PROFIT	9,598	7,178
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development	2,623	2,807
Sales and marketing	3,020	2,516
General and administrative	4,679	2,752
Amortization of intangible assets	605	745
Restructuring charges	101	0
Total operating expenses	11,028	8,820
OPERATING LOSS	(1,430)	(1,642)
Other income, net	4,332	75
NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,902	(1,567)
Expense (benefit) for income taxes	1,037	(456)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	1,865	(1,111)
Less: 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)
Basic Earnings per Share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 0.11	$ (0.05)
Diluted Earnings per Share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 0.10	$ (0.05)
Weighted average shares - Basic	17,684	17,264
Weighted average shares - Diluted	17,911	17,264
Cash dividend per share	$ 0.035	$ 0.030