Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Aug. 04, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	PCTEL, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001057083
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	PCTI
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity File Number	000-27115
Entity Tax Identification Number	77-0364943
Entity Address, Address Line One	471 Brighton Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Bloomingdale
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60108
City Area Code	630
Local Phone Number	372-6800
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		18,296,402
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false