Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Form 10-K”). Nature of Operations PCTEL, Inc. (“PCTEL”, the “Company”, “we”, “ours”, and “us”) delivers Performance Critical TELecom technology solutions to the wireless industry. PCTEL is a leading global supplier of wireless network antenna and testing solutions. PCTEL designs and manufactures precision antennas and provides test and measurement products that improve the performance of wireless networks globally. PCTEL products address three market segments: Enterprise Wireless, Intelligent Transportation, and Industrial Internet of Things (“IoT”). PCTEL antennas are deployed in small cells, enterprise Wi-Fi access points, fleet management and transit systems, and in network equipment and devices for the Industrial IoT. PCTEL test tools improve the performance of wireless networks globally. Mobile operators, neutral hosts, and equipment manufacturers rely on PCTEL to analyze, design, and optimize next generation wireless networks. Product Lines Antenna Products PCTEL designs and manufactures precision antennas and offers in-house wireless product development for our customers, including design, testing, radio integration, and manufacturing capabilities. PCTEL antennas are deployed in small cells, enterprise Wi-Fi access points, fleet management and transit systems, and in equipment and devices for the Industrial IoT. Revenue growth in these markets is driven by the increased use and complexity of wireless communications. Consistent with the Company’s mission to solve complex network engineering problems and in order to compete effectively in the antenna market, PCTEL maintains expertise in the following areas: radio frequency engineering, wireless network engineering, mechanical engineering, mobile antenna design, manufacturing, and product quality and testing. The Company seeks out product applications that command a premium for product design and performance and customer service, and it avoids commodity markets. The Company’s antennas are primarily sold to original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) providers where they are designed into the customer’s solution. Competition in the antenna markets is fragmented. Competitors include Airgain, Amphenol, Laird, Panorama and Taoglas. Test and Measurement Products PCTEL provides RF test and measurement tools that improve the performance of wireless networks globally, with a focus on LTE, public safety, and emerging 5G technologies. Mobile operators, neutral hosts, and equipment manufacturers rely on PCTEL to analyze, design, and optimize next generation wireless networks. Revenue growth in this market is driven by the implementation and roll out of new wireless technology standards (i.e. 3G to 4G, 4G to 5G). Consistent with our mission to solve complex network engineering problems and in order to compete effectively in the RF test and measurement market, PCTEL maintains expertise in the following areas: radio frequency engineering, digital signal process (“DSP”) engineering, wireless network engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and product quality and testing. The Company’s test equipment is sold directly to wireless carriers or to OEMs who integrate its products into their solutions which are then sold to wireless carriers. Competitors for the Company’s test tool products include OEMs such as Anritsu, Berkley Varitronics, Digital Receiver Technology, and Rohde and Schwarz. Reorganization and Segment Reporting Effective August 2018, the Company consolidated its organizational structure to drive growth and address the convergence in the Industrial IoT, public safety, and 4G infrastructure markets and the emergence of new technologies such as 5G (the “Reorganization”). The Company’s operations, engineering, business development, sales and marketing, and operational general and administrative functions were consolidated into a single enterprise-wide organization. As a result of the Reorganization that occurred in the third quarter 2018, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) began assessing operating profits and identified assets at the enterprise level for resource allocations. In connection with the Reorganization, the Board of Directors appointed a Chief Operating Officer who maintains regular contact with the CODM to discuss operating activities, financial results, forecasts, and plans for the Company’s businesses. All operating profit and cash flows are measured and managed at the enterprise level. Until the Reorganization, PCTEL operated in two segments for reporting purposes, Connected Solutions and RF Solutions. The CODM assessed operating profits and identified assets for the Connected Solutions and RF Solutions segments for resource allocations. Each segment had its own general manager as well as its own engineering, business development, sales and marketing, and operational general and administrative functions. The Company included revenues and gross profit for the two major product lines (antenna products and test and measurement products) because each product line has a significantly different gross profit profile. In order to understand the Company’s financial results, it is necessary to understand the impact on gross profit of the revenue mix between them. Basis of Consolidation The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the condensed consolidated balance sheet and the condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for the period ended March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, statements of comprehensive loss, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim period financial statements. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 is derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2018. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth within the 2018 Form 10-K. There were no significant changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2019. See Note 10 related to Leases for additional disclosures related to the implementation of ASU 2016-02 (“Topic 842”). In addition, the Company reaffirms the use of estimates in the preparation of the financial statements as set forth in the 2018 Form 10-K. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2018 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2019 may not be indicative of the results for the period ending December 31, 2019. Foreign Operations The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations due to its foreign operations and because products are sold internationally. The functional currency for the Company’s foreign operations is predominantly the applicable local currency. Accounts of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the applicable balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average monthly rates prevailing during the period for revenue and expense accounts. Adjustments resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from other transactions originally in foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars are included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Net foreign exchange losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in other income, net was $57 and $69 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”), which amends existing guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. This ASU also provides clarifications surrounding the presentation of the effects of leases in the income statement and statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019. The Company commenced its assessment of Topic 842 in the second half of 2018 and developed a project plan to guide the implementation. The Company completed this project plan, in which it analyzed the ASU's impact on its leases, surveyed the Company's key employees, assessed the portfolio of leases, and established a future lease process to keep the lease accounting portfolio up to date. The Company also evaluated the key policy elections and considerations under the standard and completed the internal policy documentation to address the new standard requirements. The Company adopted this new guidance using the updated modified transition method allowed per ASU 2018-11 of Topic 842. Upon adoption on January 1, 2019, total assets and liabilities increased due to the recording of right-of-use assets of $1.5 million and lease liabilities of $1.6 million. Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in Note 10, 'Leases'. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (“Topic 740”): Intra-Entity Transfer of Assets Other than Inventory. Topic 740 requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted Topic 740 on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, and as a result recorded a deferred tax asset with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings of $0.1 million associated with an intra-entity transfer of goodwill in 2009. The goodwill was transferred to the U.S. entity from a Canadian entity that was dissolved in 2009. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13) regarding ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments. The amendments will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Form 10-K”).

Nature of Operations

PCTEL, Inc. (“PCTEL”, the “Company”, “we”, “ours”, and “us”) delivers Performance Critical TELecom technology solutions to the wireless industry. PCTEL is a leading global supplier of wireless network antenna and testing solutions. PCTEL designs and manufactures precision antennas and provides test and measurement products that improve the performance of wireless networks globally. PCTEL products address three market segments: Enterprise Wireless, Intelligent Transportation, and Industrial Internet of Things (“IoT”). PCTEL antennas are deployed in small cells, enterprise Wi-Fi access points, fleet management and transit systems, and in network equipment and devices for the Industrial IoT. PCTEL test tools improve the performance of wireless networks globally. Mobile operators, neutral hosts, and equipment manufacturers rely on PCTEL to analyze, design, and optimize next generation wireless networks.

Product Lines

Antenna Products

PCTEL designs and manufactures precision antennas and offers in-house wireless product development for our customers, including design, testing, radio integration, and manufacturing capabilities. PCTEL antennas are deployed in small cells, enterprise Wi-Fi access points, fleet management and transit systems, and in equipment and devices for the Industrial IoT. Revenue growth in these markets is driven by the increased use and complexity of wireless communications. Consistent with the Company’s mission to solve complex network engineering problems and in order to compete effectively in the antenna market, PCTEL maintains expertise in the following areas: radio frequency engineering, wireless network engineering, mechanical engineering, mobile antenna design, manufacturing, and product quality and testing. The Company seeks out product applications that command a premium for product design and performance and customer service, and it avoids commodity markets. The Company’s antennas are primarily sold to original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) providers where they are designed into the customer’s solution. Competition in the antenna markets is fragmented. Competitors include Airgain, Amphenol, Laird, Panorama and Taoglas.

Test and Measurement Products

PCTEL provides RF test and measurement tools that improve the performance of wireless networks globally, with a focus on LTE, public safety, and emerging 5G technologies. Mobile operators, neutral hosts, and equipment manufacturers rely on PCTEL to analyze, design, and optimize next generation wireless networks. Revenue growth in this market is driven by the implementation and roll out of new wireless technology standards (i.e. 3G to 4G, 4G to 5G). Consistent with our mission to solve complex network engineering problems and in order to compete effectively in the RF test and measurement market, PCTEL maintains expertise in the following areas: radio frequency engineering, digital signal process (“DSP”) engineering, wireless network engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and product quality and testing. The Company’s test equipment is sold directly to wireless carriers or to OEMs who integrate its products into their solutions which are then sold to wireless carriers. Competitors for the Company’s test tool products include OEMs such as Anritsu, Berkley Varitronics, Digital Receiver Technology, and Rohde and Schwarz.

Reorganization and Segment Reporting

Effective August 2018, the Company consolidated its organizational structure to drive growth and address the convergence in the Industrial IoT, public safety, and 4G infrastructure markets and the emergence of new technologies such as 5G (the “Reorganization”). The Company’s operations, engineering, business development, sales and marketing, and operational general and administrative functions were consolidated into a single enterprise-wide organization. As a result of the Reorganization that occurred in the third quarter 2018, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) began assessing operating profits and identified assets at the enterprise level for resource allocations. In connection with the Reorganization, the Board of Directors appointed a Chief Operating Officer who maintains regular contact with the CODM to discuss operating activities, financial results, forecasts, and plans for the Company’s businesses. All operating profit and cash flows are measured and managed at the enterprise level.

Until the Reorganization, PCTEL operated in two segments for reporting purposes, Connected Solutions and RF Solutions. The CODM assessed operating profits and identified assets for the Connected Solutions and RF Solutions segments for resource allocations. Each segment had its own general manager as well as its own engineering, business development, sales and marketing, and operational general and administrative functions.

The Company included revenues and gross profit for the two major product lines (antenna products and test and measurement products) because each product line has a significantly different gross profit profile. In order to understand the Company’s financial results, it is necessary to understand the impact on gross profit of the revenue mix between them.

Basis of Consolidation

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the condensed consolidated balance sheet and the condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for the period ended March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, statements of comprehensive loss, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim period financial statements. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 is derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2018.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth within the 2018 Form 10-K. There were no significant changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2019. See Note 10 related to Leases for additional disclosures related to the implementation of ASU 2016-02 (“Topic 842”). In addition, the Company reaffirms the use of estimates in the preparation of the financial statements as set forth in the 2018 Form 10-K. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2018 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2019 may not be indicative of the results for the period ending December 31, 2019.

Foreign Operations

The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations due to its foreign operations and because products are sold internationally. The functional currency for the Company’s foreign operations is predominantly the applicable local currency. Accounts of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the applicable balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average monthly rates prevailing during the period for revenue and expense accounts. Adjustments resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from other transactions originally in foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars are included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Net foreign exchange losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in other income, net was $57 and $69 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”), which amends existing guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. This ASU also provides clarifications surrounding the presentation of the effects of leases in the income statement and statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019. The Company commenced its assessment of Topic 842 in the second half of 2018 and developed a project plan to guide the implementation. The Company completed this project plan, in which it analyzed the ASU's impact on its leases, surveyed the Company's key employees, assessed the portfolio of leases, and established a future lease process to keep the lease accounting portfolio up to date. The Company also evaluated the key policy elections and considerations under the standard and completed the internal policy documentation to address the new standard requirements. The Company adopted this new guidance using the updated modified transition method allowed per ASU 2018-11 of Topic 842. Upon adoption on January 1, 2019, total assets and liabilities increased due to the recording of right-of-use assets of $1.5 million and lease liabilities of $1.6 million. Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in Note 10, 'Leases'.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (“Topic 740”): Intra-Entity Transfer of Assets Other than Inventory. Topic 740 requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted Topic 740 on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, and as a result recorded a deferred tax asset with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings of $0.1 million associated with an intra-entity transfer of goodwill in 2009. The goodwill was transferred to the U.S. entity from a Canadian entity that was dissolved in 2009.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13) regarding ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments. The amendments will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.