Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Product sales, credit terms			30 days
Inventory, finished goods	$ 5,615,234		$ 5,615,234
Inventory, raw materials	788,067		788,067
Inventory, work in process	339,754		339,754
Inventory, allowance	624,110		624,110			250,000
Number of common shares obtained	352,589		352,589
Percentage of ownership interests	8.62%	11.54%	8.62%	11.54%	11.54%
Amortization expenses	810,328	65,286	1,676,731	83,651
Goodwill, net	22,256,890		22,256,890			13,046,358
Billed contracts receivable	0		0
Cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts	3,139,400		3,139,400
Marketable securities current	10,882,682		10,882,682
Certificates of deposit, at Carrying value	9,750,000		9,750,000
Net income (loss)	737,286	(462,999)	712,427	(2,249,646)
Comprehensive Income (loss)	2,051,556	(460,945)	1,952,213	(2,268,140)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,314,270	2,054	1,239,786	(18,494)
CUI, Inc
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill, net	12,907,157		12,907,157
Orbital Gas Systems Limited
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Product sales, credit terms			50 days
Goodwill, net	9,211,203		9,211,203
CUI Japan
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill, net	138,530		138,530
Foreign financial institutions
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash deposits, FSC Insured Amount	$ 137,156		$ 137,156