Benefit Plans - Summary of Contributions to Retirement Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
PCTEL, Inc. 401(k) Profit sharing Plan - US employees	$ 154	$ 140	$ 503	$ 434
Defined contribution plans - foreign employees	84	65	245	189
Total	$ 238	$ 205	$ 748	$ 623

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration