PC Tel (PCTI) 10-K 13 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 09, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	PCTI
Entity Registrant Name	PC TEL INC
Entity Central Index Key	1057083
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,696,090
Entity Public Float			$149,245,428

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,432	$21,790
Short-term investment securities	39,577	36,105
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $121 and $130 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	23,874	18,603
Inventories, net	16,358	14,535
Deferred tax assets, net	2,281	1,629
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,757	3,166
Total current assets	104,279	95,828
Property and equipment, net	14,842	14,971
Goodwill	161	161
Intangible assets, net	2,637	4,604
Deferred tax assets, net	9,710	11,827
Other noncurrent assets	40	41
TOTAL ASSETS	131,669	127,432
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	5,495	4,440
Accrued liabilities	10,211	7,803
Total current liabilities	15,706	12,243
Other long-term liabilities	448	3,137
Total liabilities	16,154	15,380
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 18,571,419 and 18,566,119 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	19	19
Additional paid-in capital	145,462	143,572
Accumulated deficit	-30,101	-31,748
Accumulated other comprehensive income	135	209
Total stockholders' equity	115,515	112,052
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$131,669	$127,432

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for accounts receivable	$121	$130
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	18,571,419	18,566,119
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,571,419	18,566,119

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
REVENUES	$107,164	$104,253	$88,849
COST OF REVENUES	63,577	62,493	53,029
GROSS PROFIT	43,587	41,760	35,820
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development	11,736	11,064	9,290
Sales and marketing	12,961	12,121	11,343
General and administrative	12,819	15,623	10,982
Amortization of intangible assets	1,967	2,400	2,359
Restructuring charges	0	256	157
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	0	0	12,550
Total operating expenses	39,483	41,464	46,681
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	4,104	296	-10,861
Other income, net	1,666	5,378	100
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	5,770	5,674	-10,761
Expense (benefit) for income taxes	1,158	2,332	-4,089
NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	4,612	3,342	-6,672
NET LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX BENEFIT	0	-91	-2,587
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$4,612	$3,251	($9,259)
Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations:
Basic	$0.25	$0.19	($0.38)
Diluted	$0.25	$0.18	($0.38)
Loss per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Basic	$0	($0.01)	($0.15)
Diluted	$0	$0	($0.15)
Earnings (Loss) per Share:
Basic	$0.25	$0.18	($0.53)
Diluted	$0.25	$0.18	($0.53)
Weighted Average Shares:
Basic	18,159	17,797	17,402
Diluted	18,389	18,184	17,402
Cash dividend per share	$0.16	$0.14	$0.12

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$4,612	$3,251	($9,259)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-74	61	27
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$4,538	$3,312	$9,232

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid - In Capital [Member]	Retained Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2011	$116,315	$18	$137,117	($20,941)	$121
Stock-based compensation expense	2,992	1	2,991	0	0
Issuance of shares for stock purchase and option plans	578	0	578	0	0
Cancellation of shares for payment of withholding tax	-1,204	0	-1,204	0	0
Tax effect from stock based compensation	6	0	6	0	0
Adjustment to temporary equity for PCTEL Secure	-648	0	0	-648	0
Adjustment to tax basis of PCTEL Secure	361	0	361	0	0
Dividend paid	-2,202	0	8	-2,210	0
Net income (loss)	-9,259	0	0	-8,611	0
Purchase of 49% interest in PCTEL Secure	531	0	531	0	0
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net	27	0	0	0	27
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2012	108,145	19	140,388	-32,410	148
Stock-based compensation expense	3,441	0	3,441	0	0
Issuance of shares for stock purchase and option plans	1,266	1	1,265	0	0
Cancellation of shares for payment of withholding tax	-1,098	-1	-1,097	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	-435	0	-435	0	0
Dividend paid	-2,579	0	10	-2,589	0
Net income (loss)	3,251	0	0	3,251	0
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net	61	0	0	0	61
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2013	112,052	19	143,572	-31,748	209
Stock-based compensation expense	3,276	0	3,276	0	0
Issuance of shares for stock purchase and option plans	1,092	1	1,091	0	0
Cancellation of shares for payment of withholding tax	-1,037	0	-1,037	0	0
Tax effect from stock based compensation	203	0	203	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	-1,652	-1	-1,651	0	0
Dividend paid	-2,957	0	8	-2,965	0
Net income (loss)	4,612	0	0	4,612	0
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net	-74	0	0	0	-74
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$115,515	$19	$145,462	($30,101)	$135

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Percentage of Interest In Joint Venture	49.00%

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$4,612	$3,251	($9,259)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss from discontinued operations	0	91	2,587
Depreciation and amortization	4,806	5,070	4,791
Impairment charges	0	0	12,550
Stock based compensation	3,276	3,440	2,986
(Gain) loss on disposal/sale of property and equipment	9	-27	4
Restructuring costs	0	86	0
Payment of withholding tax on stock based compensation	-1,037	-1,098	-1,204
Deferred tax expense	1,666	2,165	-4,264
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-5,301	1	-2,870
Inventories	-1,870	3,092	-2,361
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,406	596	863
Accounts payable	1,050	-6,149	3,857
Income taxes payable	-79	-61	71
Other accrued liabilities	-1,625	807	-1,550
Deferred revenue	1,063	139	-19
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,976	11,403	6,182
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	-2,542	-2,959	-3,381
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	0	3	0
Purchase of investments	-58,629	-72,010	-61,927
Redemptions/maturities of short-term investments	55,157	69,501	77,718
Purchase of assets/businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	-16,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,014	-5,465	-3,590
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,092	1,266	578
Payments for repurchase of common stock	-1,652	-435	0
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	203	0	0
Cash dividend	-2,957	-2,579	-2,202
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,314	-1,748	-1,624
Cash flows from discontinued operations:
Net cash used in operating activities	0	-17	-1,136
Net cash provided by investing activities	0	1	-1,731
Net cash provided by financing activities	0	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,352	4,174	-1,899
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-6	57	40
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	21,790	17,559	19,418
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	20,432	21,790	17,559
Other information:
Cash paid (refunds received) for income taxes	199	232	-1,288
Cash paid for interest	14	16	3
Non-cash investing and financing information:
Increases (decreases) to deferred stock compensation, net	12	-1,968	-616
Issuance of restricted common stock, net of cancellations	431	-703	912
Purchase of assets under capital leases	$189	$0	$0

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	PCTEL, Inc. (“PCTEL”, the “Company”, “we”, “ours”, and “us”) delivers Performance Critical Telecom solutions. RF Solutions develops and provides test equipment, software and engineering services for wireless networks. The industry relies upon PCTEL to benchmark network performance, analyze trends, and optimize wireless networks. Connected Solutions designs and delivers performance critical antennas and site solutions for wireless networks globally. Our antennas support evolving wireless standards for cellular, private, and broadband networks. PCTEL antennas and site solutions support networks worldwide, including SCADA for oil, gas and utilities, fleet management, industrial operations, health care, small cell and network timing deployment, defense, public safety, education, and broadband access.
	Segment Reporting
	Effective January 1, 2013, PCTEL operates in two segments for reporting purposes, RF Solutions and Connected Solutions. As of January 1, 2013, the Company’s chief operating decision maker uses the profit and loss results through operating profit and identified assets for the Connected Solutions and RF Solutions segments to make operating decisions. Each segment has its own segment manager as well as its own engineering, sales and marketing, and operational general and administrative functions. All of the Company’s accounting and finance, human resources, IT and legal functions are provided on a centralized basis through the corporate function. The Company manages its balance sheet and cash flows centrally at the corporate level, with the exception of trade accounts receivable and inventory which is managed at the segment level. Each of the segment managers reports to and maintains regular contact with the chief operating decision maker to discuss operating activities, financial results, forecasts, or plans for the segment.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company operated in two different segments, PCTEL Secure, LLC and the rest of the Company. The Company’s chief operating decision maker used the profit and loss results and the assets to make operating decisions. The 2012 segment information presented in the financial statements has been presented on a retrospective basis reflecting the Connected Solutions and RF Solution segments on a consistent basis with the current period.
	Connected Solutions Segment
	Connected Solutions designs and delivers performance critical antennas and site solutions for wireless networks globally. The Company’s antennas and site solutions support networks worldwide, including SCADA (“Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition”) for oil, gas and utilities, fleet management, industrial operations, health care, small cell and network timing deployment, defense, public safety, education, and broadband access. PCTEL’s performance critical MAXRAD® and Bluewave™ antenna solutions include high rejection and high performance GPS and GNSS products, the industry leading Yagi portfolio, mobile and indoor LTE, broadband, and LMR antennas and PIM-rated antennas for transit, in-building, and small cell applications. The Company provides performance critical mobile towers for demanding emergency and oil and gas network applications and leverage our design, logistics, and support capabilities to deliver performance critical site solutions into carrier, railroad, and utility applications. Revenue growth for antenna and site solutions is primarily driven by the increased use of wireless communications in these vertical markets. PCTEL’s antenna and site solution products are primarily sold through distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) providers. The current antenna and site solutions product portfolio and expansion into these vertical markets resulted from organic growth and a series of six acquisitions, the most recent being the acquisition of certain assets of TelWorx Communications LLC, TelWorx U.K. Limited, TowerWorx LLC, and TowerWorx International, Inc. (collectively “TelWorx”), in July 2012.
	There are many competitors for antenna products, as the market is highly fragmented. Competitors include Laird (Cushcraft, Centurion, and Antennex brands), Mobile Mark, Radiall/Larsen, Comtelco, Wilson, Commscope (Andrew products), Kathrein, among others. The Company seeks out product applications that command a premium for product performance and customer service, and avoid commodity markets.
	PCTEL maintains expertise in several technology areas in order to be competitive in the antenna engineered site solutions market. These include radio frequency engineering, mobile antenna design and manufacturing, mechanical engineering, product quality and testing, and wireless network engineering.
	RF Solutions Segment
	RF Solutions develops and provides performance critical test equipment, software, and engineering services for wireless networks.  The industry relies upon PCTEL to benchmark network performance, analyze trends, and optimize wireless networks. SeeGull® scanning receivers are used around the world for indoor and drive test applications, including baseline testing, acceptance testing, competitive benchmarking, spectrum clearing, troubleshooting, and network optimization. SeeGull scanning receivers provide high quality real-world RF measurements needed to build, tune, troubleshoot, and expand commercial wireless networks. The Company’s highly-trained engineering services team uses state-of-the-art test, measurement, and design tools to provide engineering services for in-building and outdoor networks. Our engineering services team (“NES”), which commenced in 2011 with the acquisition of certain assets from Envision Wireless Inc. (“Envision”), provides wireless network testing, optimization, design, integration, and consulting services, with an emphasis on in-building distributed antenna systems (“DAS”). Revenue growth for the segment’s products and services is driven by the deployment of products based on new wireless technology and the need for wireless networks to be tuned and reconfigured on a regular basis. Scanning receiver products are sold primarily through test and measurement value -added resellers and to a lesser extent directly to network operators. Competitors for these products are OEMs such as JDS Uniphase, Rohde and Schwarz, Anritsu, Digital Receiver Technology, and Berkley Varitronics.
	On February 27, 2015, PCTEL, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets of, and assumed certain specified liabilities of, Nexgen Wireless, Inc., an Illinois corporation (“Nexgen”), pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of February 27, 2015 (the “Acquisition Agreement”) among PCTEL, Nexgen, Bhumika Thakkar 2012 Irrevocable Trust Number One, Bhumika Thakkar 2012 Irrevocable Trust Number Two, and Jigar Thakkar and Bhumika Thakkar.
	The business of Nexgen is based in Schaumburg, Illinois. Nexgen provides Meridian™, a network analysis tool portfolio, and engineering services. Nexgen’s Meridian software product portfolio translates real-time network performance data into engineering actions to optimize operator performance. Meridian, with its modules of Network IQ™, Subscriber IQ™, and Map IQ™, supports crowd-based, cloud-based data analysis to enhance network performance. Nexgen provides performance engineering, specialized staffing, and trend analysis for carriers, infrastructure vendors, and neutral hosts for 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE networks. Refer to footnote 17 related to subsequent events for more information on the Nexgen acquisition.
	PCTEL maintains expertise in several technology areas in order to be competitive in the scanning receiver and related engineering services market. These include radio frequency engineering, DSP engineering, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, product quality and testing, and wireless network engineering.
	Basis of Consolidation
	These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	On April 30, 2013, the Company divested all material assets associated with its PCTEL Secure, LLC subsidiary’s ProsettaCore™ technology to Redwall Technologies, LLC (“Redwall”), a development organization that specializes in mobile security, military and defense projects and systems, and critical national infrastructure. Under the terms of the agreement, Redwall acquired the server and device software (the “Software”), the underlying intellectual property, and complete development responsibility for the security products. At the closing of the divestiture, the Company received no upfront cash payment, but has the right to receive a royalty of 7% of the net sale price of each future sale or license of the Software and each provision of services related to the Software, if any. Under the agreement, royalties will not exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate. In accordance with accounting for discontinued operations, the consolidated financial statements separately reflect the results of PCTEL Secure as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The prior period results have been restated to reflect this accounting treatment.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	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 year-end exchange rate for assets and liabilities and average monthly rates for revenue and expense accounts. Adjustments resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (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 consolidated statements of operations. Net foreign exchange losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in other income, net were $49, $26, and $31 in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company follows accounting pronouncements for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tier fair value hierarchy has been established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	Level 1: inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.
	Level 3: unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Cash equivalents are measured at fair value and investments are recognized at amortized cost in the Company’s financial statements. Accounts receivable and other investments are financial assets with carrying values that approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets. Accounts payable is a financial liability with a carrying value that approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these liabilities.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments
	The Company’s cash and investments consist of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Cash	$	19,731		$	19,734
	Cash equivalents		701			2,056
	Short-term investments		39,577			36,105
		$	60,009		$	57,895
	Cash and Cash equivalents
	At December 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents included bank balances and investments with original maturities less than 90 days. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s cash equivalents were invested in highly liquid AAA rated money market funds that are required to comply with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such funds utilize the amortized cost method of accounting, seek to maintain a constant $1.00 per share price, and are redeemable upon demand. The Company restricts its investments in AAA money market funds to those invested 100% in either short-term U.S. Government Agency securities or bank repurchase agreements collateralized by these same securities. The fair values of these money market funds are established through quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs). The cash in the Company’s U.S. banks is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the insurable amount of $250.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had $19.7 million in cash and $0.7 million in cash equivalents and at December 31, 2013, the Company had $19.7 million in cash and $2.1 million in cash equivalents. The Company had $0.5 million and $1.0 million of cash and cash equivalents in foreign bank accounts at December 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has no intentions of repatriating the cash in its foreign bank accounts. If the Company decides to repatriate the cash in the foreign bank accounts, it may experience difficulty in doing so in a timely manner. The Company may also be exposed to foreign currency fluctuations and taxes if it repatriates these funds. The Company’s cash in its foreign bank accounts is not insured.
	Investments
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s short-term investments consisted of pre-refunded municipal bonds, U.S. government agency bonds, AA or higher rated corporate bonds and certificates of deposit, all classified as held-to-maturity. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s short-term investments also included mutual funds classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had invested $13.5 million in U.S. government agency bonds, $11.8 million in certificates of deposit, $7.2 million in AA rated or higher corporate bond funds, $5.2 million in pre-refunded municipal bonds and taxable bond funds, and $2.0 million in mutual funds. The income and principal from the pre-refunded municipal bonds is secured by an irrevocable trust of U.S. Treasury securities. The bonds have original maturities greater than 90 days and mature in 2015. The Company’s bonds are recorded at the purchase price and carried at amortized cost. The net unrealized gains (losses) were approximately $(5) and $15 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Approximately 5% of the Company’s bonds were protected by bond default insurance at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had invested $17.2 million in pre-refunded municipal bonds and taxable bond funds, $7.3 million in AA rated or higher corporate bond funds, $6.3 million in U.S. government agency bonds, and $5.3 million in certificates of deposit.
	The Company categorizes its financial instruments within a fair value hierarchy according to accounting guidance for fair value. The fair value hierarchy is described under the Fair Value of Financial Instruments in Note 1. For the Level 2 investments, the Company uses quoted prices of similar assets in active markets.
	Cash equivalents and Level 1 and Level 2 investments measured at fair value were as follows:
		December 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds and other cash equivalents	$	701		$	0		$	0	$	701		$	2,056	$	0	$	0	$	2,056
	Investments:
	US government agency bonds		0			13,502			0		13,502			0		6,291		0		6,291
	Certificates of deposit		11,782			0			0		11,782			5,360		0		0		5,360
	Corporate bonds		0			7,155			0		7,155			0		7,269		0		7,269
	Pre-refunded municipal bonds		0			5,162			0		5,162			0		17,200		0		17,200
	Mutual funds		1,971			0			0		1,971			0		0		0		0
	Total	$	14,454		$	25,819		$	0	$	40,273		$	7,416	$	30,760	$	0	$	38,176
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amount with standard net terms for most customers that range between 30 and 60 days. The Company extends credit to its customers based on an evaluation of a company’s financial condition and collateral is generally not required. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. The allowance is based on the Company’s assessment of known delinquent accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence of the collectability and the aging of accounts receivable. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The provision for doubtful accounts is included in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and include material, labor and overhead costs using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of costing. Inventories as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were composed of raw materials, sub-assemblies, finished goods and work-in-process. The Company had consigned inventory of $0.8 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company records allowances to reduce the value of inventory to the lower of cost or market, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. Reserves for excess inventory are calculated based on our estimate of inventory in excess of normal and planned usage. Obsolete reserves are based on our identification of inventory where carrying value is above net realizable value. The allowance for inventory losses was $1.8 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	10,160		$	9,241
Work in process		915			716
Finished goods		5,283			4,578
Inventories, net	$	16,358		$	14,535
Prepaid and other current assets
Prepaid assets are stated at cost and are amortized over the useful lives (up to one year) of the assets.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company depreciates computers over three to five years, office equipment, manufacturing and test equipment and motor vehicles over five years, furniture and fixtures over seven years, and buildings over 30 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the corresponding lease term or useful life. Depreciation expense and gains and losses on the disposal of property and equipment are included in cost of sales and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
	December 31,			December 31,
	2014			2013
Building	$	6,229		$	6,207
Computers and office equipment		10,435			9,818
Manufacturing and test equipment		11,880			10,415
Furniture and fixtures		1,214			1,204
Leasehold improvements		909			837
Motor vehicles		117			117
Total property and equipment		30,784			28,598
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(17,712	)		(15,397	)
Land		1,770			1,770
Property and equipment, net	$	14,842		$	14,971
Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $2.8 million, $2.7 million, and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Amortization for capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. See Note 8 for information related to capital leases.
Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
	December 31,			December 31,
	2014			2013
Inventory receipts	$	2,471		$	1,489
Executive deferred compensation		2,043			0
Payroll, bonuses, and other employee benefits		1,539			3,267
Deferred revenues		1,262			199
Paid time off		1,247			1,154
Employee stock purchase plan		314			292
Warranties		304			305
Income and sales taxes		266			159
Professional fees and contractors		223			584
Real estate taxes		181			160
Other		361			194
Total	$	10,211		$	7,803
Long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
	December 31,			December 31,
	2014			2013
Deferred rent	$	258		$	278
Long-term obligations under capital leases		135			0
Deferred revenues		55			86
Reserve for uncertain tax positions		0			865
Executive deferred compensation		0			1,908
	$	448		$	3,137
Revenue Recognition
The Company sells antennas, site solutions, and scanning receiver products, and provides network engineering services. The Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
The Company recognizes revenue for sales of its products when title transfers, which is predominantly upon shipment from its factory. For products shipped on consignment, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery from the consignment location. The Company allows its major antenna product distributors to return product under specified terms and conditions and accrues for product returns. The Company recognizes revenue for its network engineering services under the completed performance method. Most services occur in one week or less, and revenue is generally recognized when the engineering reports are completed and issued to the customer.
Research and Development Costs
The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. To date, the Company has expensed all software development costs related to research and development because the costs incurred subsequent to the products reaching technological feasibility were not significant.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising expense was $175, $166, and $150 in each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets, which are not likely to be realized. On a regular basis, management evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance.
Deferred tax assets arise when the Company recognizes charges or expenses in the financial statements that will not be allowed as income tax deductions until future periods. The deferred tax assets also include unused tax net operating losses and tax credits that the Company is allowed to carry forward to future years. Accounting rules permit the Company to carry the deferred tax assets on the balance sheet at full value as long as it is more likely than not the deductions, losses, or credits will be used in the future. A valuation allowance must be recorded against a deferred tax asset if this test cannot be met.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Sales and Value Added Taxes
Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Shipping and handling costs
Shipping and handling costs are included on a gross basis in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill
The Company performs an annual impairment test of goodwill as of the end of the first month of the fiscal fourth quarter (October 31st), or at an interim date if an event occurs or if circumstances change that would indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred. In performing the annual impairment test, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. If the qualitative assessment is indicative of possible impairment, then a two-step quantitative fair value assessment is performed at the reporting unit level. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, then goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step is performed if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared against the carrying value of goodwill to determine the amount of impairment.
The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective because it requires the use of estimates and assumptions in determining a reporting unit’s fair value. The Company calculates the fair value of each reporting unit by using a blended analysis of the present value of future discounted cash flows and the market approach of valuation. The discounted cash flow method requires the Company to use estimates and judgments about the future cash flows of the reporting units. Although the Company bases cash flow forecasts on assumptions that are consistent with plans and estimates the Company uses to manage the underlying reporting units, there is significant judgment in determining the cash flows attributable to these reporting units, including markets and market share, sales volumes and mix, research and development expenses, tax rates, capital spending, discount rate and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts are based on reporting unit operating plans for the early years and business projections in later years. The market approach is based on a comparison of the Company to comparable publicly traded firms in similar lines of business. This method requires the Company to use estimates and judgments when determining comparable companies. The Company assesses such factors as size, growth, profitability, risk and return on investment. The Company believes the accounting estimate related to the valuation of goodwill is a critical accounting estimate because it requires us to make assumptions that are highly uncertain about the future cash flows of the reporting units. Changes in these estimates can have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
While the use of historical results and future projections can result in different valuations for a business, it is a generally accepted valuation practice to apply more than one valuation technique to establish a range of values for a business. Since each technique relies on different inputs and assumptions, it is unlikely that each technique would yield the same results. However, it is expected that the different techniques would establish a reasonable range. In determining the fair value, the Company weighs the two methods equally because it believes both methods have an equal probability of providing an appropriate fair value.
As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively the Company performed a qualitative analysis of goodwill and concluded that there was no triggering event that would necessitate a two-step goodwill impairment test.
The Company recognized goodwill of $12.5 million with the acquisition of assets from TelWorx in July 2012. Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition was primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the Company’s acquisition of the business and the assembled workforce of the acquired business. During the fourth quarter 2012, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of this $12.5 million based on the results from the annual test of goodwill impairment. Specifically, the projected 2013 base revenue declined 17% from the projections utilized in the purchase accounting fair value of the TelWorx assets at the acquisition date. The projected revenue, anticipated margins, and future cash flows of the business were significantly lower at the annual goodwill test date than at the acquisition date. The Company considered this revenue decline at the annual goodwill test date to be an indicator of goodwill impairment requiring the performance of the two-step quantitative fair value assessment, which resulted in a net present value of future cash flows that did not support a goodwill carrying value for this reporting unit.
Long-lived and Definite-Lived Intangible assets
The Company reviews definite-lived intangible assets, investments and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from the Company’s goodwill analysis in that a definite-lived intangible asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. The estimate of long-term undiscounted cash flows includes long-term forecasts of revenue growth, gross margins, and operating expenses. All of these items require significant judgment and assumptions. An impairment loss may exist when the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than the carrying amount.
The Company had no assets for continuing operations measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The following table presents assets for continuing operations measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2012:
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Loss
Intangible assets - RF Solutions	$	0		$	0		$	161	$	0
Intangible assets - Connected Solutions	$	0		$	0		$	0	($	12,550	)
Total	$	0		$	0		$	161	($	12,550	)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, which requires management to assess if there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for each annual and interim period. If conditions or events give rise to substantial doubt, disclosures are required. The new accounting standard is effective as of December 31, 2016, and the Company does not expect it to have an impact on its financial statement disclosures.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 was issued to clarify that a performance target in a share-based payment that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be accounted for as a performance condition under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. As a result, the target is not reflected in the estimation of the award’s grant date fair value. Compensation cost would be recognized over the required service period, if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations - that is, a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. Additionally, the ASU requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. This update is effective in the first quarter of 2015. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Earnings_Loss_per_Share

Earnings (Loss) per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) per Share	2. Earnings (Loss) per Share
	The Company computes earnings per share data under two different disclosures, basic and diluted, for all periods in which statements of operations are presented. Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, less shares subject to repurchase. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options using the treasury stock method. Common stock options are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014		2013			2012
	Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	4,612	$	3,342		($	6,672	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations		$	0	($	91	)	($	2,587	)
	Net income (loss)		$	4,612	$	3,251		($	9,259	)
	Denominator:
	Common shares outstanding			18,159		17,797			17,402
	Earnings per common share - basic
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.25	$	0.19		($	0.38	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations		$	0	($	0.01	)	($	0.15	)
	Net income (loss)		$	0.25	$	0.18		($	0.53	)
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share computation:
	Denominator:
	Common shares outstanding			18,159		17,797			17,402
	Restricted shares subject to vesting			139		232			*
	Performance shares subject to vesting			80		97			*
	Common stock option grants			11		58			*
	Total shares			18,389		18,184			17,402
	Earnings per common share - diluted
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.25	$	0.18		($	0.38	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations		$	0	$	0		($	0.15	)
	Net income (loss)		$	0.25	$	0.18		($	0.53	)
	*	As denoted by “*” in the table above, weighted average common stock option grants and restricted shares of 439,000 were excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2012, since their effects are anti-dilutive.

PCTEL_Secure_discontinued_oper

PCTEL Secure - discontinued operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
PCTEL Secure - discontinued operations	3. PCTEL Secure – discontinued operations
	PCTEL Secure designed Android-based, secure communication products. The Company learned through its marketing efforts for PCTEL Secure’s baseline product that its distribution channels had limited access to the target software markets, primarily U.S. government agencies. In January 2013 the Company engaged Wunderlich Securities, Inc. to evaluate strategic alternatives for PCTEL Secure, including a further search for a distribution entity that could take its baseline product to market.
	On April 30, 2013, the Company divested all material assets associated with PCTEL Secure’s ProsettaCore™ technology to Redwall Technologies, LLC (“Redwall”), a development organization that specializes in mobile security, military and defense projects and systems, and critical national infrastructure. Under the terms of the agreement, Redwall acquired the server and device software (the “Software”), the underlying intellectual property, and complete development responsibility for the related products. At the closing of the divestiture, the Company received no upfront cash payment, but the Company has the right to receive a royalty of 7% of the net sale price of each future sale or license of the Software and each provision of services related to the Software, if any. Under the agreement, royalties are capped at $10 million in the aggregate.
	The consolidated financial statements separately reflect the PCTEL Secure operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Summary results of operations for the discontinued operations included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Operating loss	($	191	)	($	3,828	)
	Other income, net		0			41
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0			687
	Adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests		0			(647	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes		(191	)		(3,747	)
	Benefit for income tax		(100	)		(1,160	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	($	91	)	($	2,587	)
	Loss from discontinued operations per common share:
	Basic	($	0.01	)	($	0.15	)
	Diluted	$	0		($	0.15	)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic		17,797			17,402
	Diluted		18,184			17,402

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	4. Acquisitions
	Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. In general the acquisition method requires acquisition-date fair value measurement of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interests in the acquiree. The measurement requirements result in the recognition of the full amount of acquisition-date goodwill, which includes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests. Neither the direct costs incurred to effect a business combination nor the costs the acquirer expects to incur under a plan to restructure an acquired business may be included as part of the business combination accounting. As a result, those costs are charged to expense when incurred, except for debt or equity issuance costs, which are accounted for in accordance with other generally accepted accounting principles.
	Acquisition of TelWorx Communications LLC
	The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary PCTelWorx, Inc. (“PCTelWorx”), completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and the assumption of certain specified liabilities of TelWorx Communications LLC, TelWorx U.K. Limited, TowerWorx LLC and TowerWorx International, Inc. (collectively, “TelWorx”), pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of July 9, 2012, among the Company, PCTelWorx, TelWorx and Tim and Brenda Scronce, the principal owners of TelWorx. PCTelWorx was merged with PCTEL, Inc. effective June 30, 2014. The fair value purchase price for TelWorx was $16.1 million, consisting of $16.0 million in cash paid at closing, $1.1 million of contingent consideration related to an indemnity holdback escrow and potential earn-out at fair value, net of $1.0 million cash recovered from Tim and Brenda Scronce in March 2013 pursuant to the working capital adjustment provisions of the Asset Purchase Agreement and the legal settlement described below.
	Following the closing of the acquisition, the Company’s management became aware of accounting irregularities with respect to the TelWorx financial statements, in part through an internal review conducted in connection with the calculation of post-closing purchase price adjustments and in part due to an anonymous tip received after the internal review began. With the oversight of the Audit Committee, management expanded its review into an internal investigation regarding these financial irregularities and outside counsel was retained to assist in the investigation. The Company’s outside counsel then retained a Big Four accounting firm to perform an independent forensic accounting investigation under counsel’s direction. The accounting irregularities in the TelWorx financial statements identified as a result of this investigation are believed to have been directed and/or permitted by management of TelWorx, principally Tim Scronce and those acting at his direction.
	The Company determined the amount of the corrections and the period in which they occurred through the forensic audit performed, which included tracing sales transactions to customer commitments and proof of delivery documents as well as reviewing the cost of sales records and aging of inventory at the acquisition date.
	The Company was authorized by the Board of Directors to seek restitution from the Telworx Parties and two other parties utilized by them in the acquisition. On March 27, 2013, the Company and the TelWorx Parties entered into a legal settlement over claims by the Company relating to the value of the acquisition and the accounting issues summarized above. The settlement had an aggregate fair value of $5.4 million, consisting of $4.3 million cash received, $0.6 million for the contingent consideration forfeited, and $0.5 million for the holdback escrow balance released. On September 30, 2014, the Company entered into a legal settlement with one of the other parties used by the TelWorx Parties in the acquisition for $0.1 million in cash. On October 10, 2014, the Company settled with the remaining other party for $0.8 million in cash. Both payments were received in October 2014.
	The following is the allocation of the purchase price for the assets acquired from TelWorx at the date of the acquisition.
		Estimated Fair			Provisional			Estimated Fair
		Value July 9, 2012			Adjustments			Value July 9, 2012
		as reported at			Subsequent to
		September 30, 2012			September 30, 2012
	Tangible assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	1,575		($	205	)	$	1,370
	Inventory		1,843			(465	)		1,378
	Prepaid expenses		9			0			9
	Fixed assets		248			0			248
	Total tangible assets		3,675			(670	)		3,005
	Intangible assets:
	Goodwill		9,491			3,059			12,550
	Trade names		1,527			(268	)		1,259
	Technology		458			12			470
	Customer relationships		2,898			(2,781	)		117
	Backlog		91			(58	)		33
	Non-compete		262			(248	)		14
	Total intangible assets		14,727			(284	)		14,443
	Total assets		18,402			(954	)		17,448
	Capital leases		57			(20	)		37
	Accounts payable		1,113			100			1,213
	Accrued liabilities		85			33			118
	Total liabilities		1,255			113			1,368
	Net assets acquired	$	17,147		($	1,067	)	$	16,080
	During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Company observed that the orders in the 2013 sales projections used in the purchase accounting allocation for TelWorx were not converting to sales backlog at a pace that would support the projected 2013 base revenue used in the purchase accounting fair value of the TelWorx business at the acquisition date. Due to the Company’s short order to shipment cycles, such a variance would not become apparent until 60-90 days before 2013 began. Additionally, at the date of the acquisition, the Company was not seeing funnel conversion variances in its antenna and site solutions products that operate in similar markets and therefore, did not suspect that the site solution products would experience a dissimilar path. Specifically, 2013 base revenue and gross profit used in the Company’s purchase accounting was $18.5 million and $3.2 million (18% of revenue), respectively. At October 31, 2012, based on the Company’s historical order to ship cycle and historical rate of sales funnel conversion to actual sales (50%), there should have been approximately $1.0 million of Q1 2013 deliverable order backlog and a sales funnel of Q1 deliverable sales orders being tracked totaling at least $7.5 million. At October 31, 2012, the backlog was half the target, the sales funnel was 17% below the target, and the gross profit margin on the backlog and funnel was at 16% instead of 18%. All of these were indicators that the business was deteriorating from the projections used at the acquisition date for the purchase accounting. The Company reevaluated the projections and determined that they supported 2013 revenue of $15.0 million, at 16% margin, which was used in the goodwill test calculations, and adopted by the Board of Directors as TelWorx’ contribution to the 2013 Company financial plan. Management concluded the decline in projected revenue and gross margin levels were of a long-term nature. The decline was across a broad range of customers and products. Additionally, the decline in revenue was sufficiently large to not be recoverable in the short term based on historical revenue growth rates for the markets in which the Company’s antenna and site solutions products are sold. The Company considered this significant revenue decline at the annual goodwill test date to be an indicator of goodwill impairment requiring the performance of the two-step quantitative fair value assessment, which resulted in a net present value of future cash flows that did not support a goodwill carrying value for this reporting unit. It is not as a result of the accounting irregularities previously discussed.
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information gives effect to the acquisition of the TelWorx business as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2012. The pro forma financial information for TelWorx was derived from the unaudited historical accounting records of TelWorx.
		2012
	REVENUES	$	96,171
	LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	($	14,919	)
	The Company made pro forma adjustments to the historical TelWorx revenue and earnings before income taxes that reduced revenue by $0.4 million and total combined earnings by $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The adjustments were made to apply a correction to the misstatements to revenue and profit before tax contained in the historical pre-acquisition TelWorx financial statements that were discovered in the course of the Company’s internal investigation by the forensic auditors. The forensic auditing procedures that identified the misstatements included the tracing of all significant sales transactions from the TelWorx operation back to customer commitment and proof of delivery documentation. The forensic audit dollar coverage obtained is approximately 50% of the operations’ revenue. Additionally there is also an adjustment to the costs associated with excess and obsolete inventory not used for a year or more at the acquisition date to the appropriate pre-acquisition period, consistent with the policy used by the Company after the acquisition. The forensic accounting procedures included the tracing of all significant inventory items at the date of the acquisition back to historical costing and usage records.
	The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2012.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	There have been no changes to goodwill from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014. The goodwill of $161 at December 31, 2014 and 2013 relates to the RF Solutions segment.
	Intangible Assets
	The Company amortizes intangible assets with finite lives on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, which range from one to eight years. Amortization expense was approximately $2.0 million, $2.4 million, and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The summary of other intangible assets, net is as follows:
		December 31,						December 31,
		2014						2013
		Cost		Accumulated		Net Book		Cost		Accumulated		Net Book
				Amortization		Value				Amortization		Value
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	17,381	$	15,933	$	1,448	$	17,381	$	14,386	$	2,995
	Patents and technology		6,781		6,507		274		6,781		6,419		362
	Trademarks and trade names		3,988		3,152		836		3,988		2,864		1,124
	Other		1,998		1,919		79		1,998		1,875		123
		$	30,148	$	27,511	$	2,637	$	30,148	$	25,544	$	4,604
	The decrease of $2.0 million in the net book value for intangible assets consists of amortization expense of $2.0 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category is summarized below:
	Intangible Assets	Assigned Life		Weighted Average
				Amortization Period
	Customer contracts and relationships		4 to 6 years		5.1
	Patents and technology		1 to 6 years		5.2
	Trademarks and trade names		3 to 8 years		7.4
	Other		1 to 6 years		5.6
	The Company’s scheduled amortization expense over the next four years is as follows:
	Fiscal Year	Amount
	2015	$	1,737
	2016	$	468
	2017	$	288
	2018	$	144
	There is no intangible amortization in 2019 and thereafter.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	6. Restructuring
	The Company incurred restructuring expenses of $256 and $157 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There was no restructuring liability at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	2013 Restructuring
	During the second and third quarters of 2013, the Company integrated the TelWorx business with its Bloomingdale, IL operations. The Company moved kitting operations and order fulfillment to its Bloomingdale, Illinois facility from the Lexington, North Carolina facility. As part of the integration, the Company separated 18 PCTelWorx employees between March and September 2013. The Company recorded $0.3 million as restructuring expense during the year ended December 31, 2013, consisting of employee-related costs and asset disposals. In October 2013, the Company moved to a smaller Lexington office facility for its sales and procurement functions.
	2012 Restructuring
	The 2012 restructuring expense relates to reduction in headcount in the Company’s Bloomingdale facility. During 2012, the Company eliminated 12 positions in the Bloomingdale manufacturing organization. The restructuring expense of $0.2 million consisted of severance and payroll-related benefits. The Company paid $0.2 million for severance and payroll benefits during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The following tables summarize the Company’s restructuring accrual activity:
					Asset
		Severance			Disposals			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1		$	0		$	1
	Restructuring charges		190			66			256
	Payments/Charges		(191	)		(66	)		(257	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0		$	0		$	0

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	7. Income Taxes
	The Company recorded income tax expense of $1.2 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively, and an income tax benefit of $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The 2014 effective tax rate differed from the statutory Federal rate of 34% primarily because of reversals of liabilities for uncertain tax positions related to research credits and foreign withholding taxes. The 2013 effective tax rate differed from the statutory Federal rate of 34% primarily because of state taxes and a change in the effective state rate for deferred tax assets. The 2012 effective tax rate differed from the statutory Federal rate of 34% primarily because of state taxes. During 2014, the Company recorded $0.2 million to additional paid in capital related to excess tax benefits for stock-based compensation. During 2012 the Company wrote off $43 of deferred tax assets to additional paid in capital related to vested stock options that were forfeited.
	In 2013, the Company recorded a tax gain of $0.7 million related to the sale of PCTEL Secure. The income tax gain was based on the fair market value of the intangible assets sold minus the tax basis of the intangible assets.
	A reconciliation of the expense (benefit) for income taxes at the federal statutory rate compared to the expense (benefit) at the effective tax rate is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate		34	%		34	%		34	%
	State income tax, net of federal benefit		4	%		5	%		5	%
	Tax effect of permanent differences		1	%		1	%		-1	%
	Effective state rate change to deferred tax assets		0	%		4	%		0	%
	Foreign income taxed at different rates		-1	%		0	%		0	%
	Research and development credits		-3	%		-4	%		0	%
	Return to provision adjustments		0	%		1	%		0	%
	Release of FIN 48 liability		-15	%		0	%		0	%
			20	%		41	%		38	%
	The domestic and foreign components of the continuing income (loss) before expense (benefit) for income taxes were as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	4,882		$	5,413		($	11,128	)
	Foreign		888			261			367
		$	5,770		$	5,674		($	10,761	)
	The expense (benefit) for income taxes of continuing operations consisted of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	($	716	)	$	23		$	17
	State		60			56			16
	Foreign		148			88			142
			(508	)		167			175
	Deferred:
	Federal		1,521			1,696			(3,630	)
	State		164			481			(591	)
	Foreign		(19	)		(12	)		(43	)
			1,666			2,165			(4,264	)
	Total	$	1,158		$	2,332		($	4,089	)
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
	The net deferred tax accounts consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred Tax Assets:
	Amortization		8,692			9,213
	Stock compensation		1,798			1,685
	Federal, foreign, and state credits		1,117			977
	Inventory reserves		971			1,018
	Deferred compensation		755			706
	Accrued vacation		446			417
	Net operating loss carryforwards		216			1,230
	Other		258			311
	Gross deferred tax assets		14,253			15,557
	Valuation allowance		(633	)		(640	)
	Net deferred tax asset		13,620			14,917
	Deferred Tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(1,629	)		(1,461	)
	Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	11,991		$	13,456
	The classification of deferred tax amounts on the balance sheet is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current:
	Deferred tax assets	$	2,281		$	1,629
	Deferred tax liabilities		0			0
	Current deferred tax assets		2,281			1,629
	Non-current:
	Deferred tax assets		11,339			13,288
Deferred tax liabilities		(1,629	)		(1,461	)
Non-current deferred tax assets, net		9,710			11,827
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	11,991		$	13,456
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
At December 31, 2014, the Company had $12.0 million of net deferred tax assets, including domestic net deferred tax assets of $11.8 million and foreign net deferred tax assets of $0.2 million. The Company had a valuation allowance of $0.6 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, the Company had $13.5 million of net deferred tax assets, including domestic net deferred tax assets of $13.3 million and foreign net deferred tax assets of $0.2 million. The Company had a valuation allowance of $0.6 million at December 31, 2013. The net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are primarily related to intangible assets acquired under purchase accounting which are amortized for tax purposes over 15 years, but for shorter periods under generally accepted accounting principles. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, relates to credits and state operating losses that the Company does not expect to realize because they correspond to tax jurisdictions where the Company no longer has significant operations.
On a regular basis, the Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance. Such evaluations involve the application of significant judgment. The Company considers multiple factors in its evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance. The Company has incurred a cumulative profit exclusive of reversing temporary differences over the three years ended December 31, 2014 of $0.7 million. That period contains $(10.5) million of net losses in the form of goodwill and intangible asset impairments, ERP implementation costs, legal expenses, and other income, that the Company believes are discrete to the period and will not be incurred on a recurring basis going forward.
The Company’s domestic deferred tax assets have a ratable reversal pattern over 15 years. The carry forward rules allow for up to a 20 year carry forward of net operating losses (“NOL”) to future income that is available to realize the deferred tax assets. The combination of the deferred tax asset reversal pattern and carry forward period yields a 26.0 year average period over which future income can be utilized to realize the deferred tax assets. The future domestic income required to realize the $11.2 million of net deferred U.S. tax assets over that period is $32.0 million. The result is that $1.2 million a year on average ($32.0. million/26.0 years) of income is required over the next 26.0 years to realize the net deferred tax assets.
In the Company’s judgment, an average of $1.2 million per year of income over an extended 26.0 year period represents a threshold that is unlikely to require extraordinary or unusual one-time events or actions on the Company’s part to meet. The Company’s estimate of future income over the recovery period is sufficient to realize the deferred tax assets.
Based on the evaluation of these factors taken as a whole, the Company believes that the positive evidence in the form of (i) a 26.0 year future recovery period, (ii) a modest average future annual income requirement of $1.2 million is unlikely to require extraordinary or unusual one-time events or actions on the Company’s part to meet, and (iii) its estimate of future income, outweigh the negative evidence of a cumulative taxable loss from operations exclusive of reversing temporary differences over the last three years. Therefore, the Company believes that the net deferred tax asset exclusive of the credits and state net operating losses is more likely than not to be realized.
Accounting for Uncertainty for Income Taxes
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	December 31,
	2014			2013
Beginning of period	$	1,539		$	1,480
Addition related to tax positions in current year		47			59
Reversals		(779	)		0
End of period	$	807		$	1,539
Included in the balance of total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, are potential benefits of $0.8 million that, if recognized, would affect the effective rate on income before taxes. During 2014, the Company recognized tax benefits of $0.8 million related to the reversal of liabilities related to tax positions for research credits and foreign withholding taxes. The Company is unaware of any positions for which it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.
The Company recognizes all interest and penalties, including those relating to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. The Company’s income tax expense related to interest includes $0, $22, and $16 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively for unrecognized tax benefits. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company had interest payable of $0 and $86 related to unrecognized tax benefits.
Audits
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s U.S. federal tax returns remain subject to examination for 2011 and subsequent periods. The Company’s state tax returns remain subject to examination for 2011 and subsequent periods. The Company’s foreign tax returns remain subject to examination for 2008 and subsequent periods.
Summary of Carryforwards
At December 31, 2014, the Company has a federal net operating loss carryforward of $1.6 million that expires in 2032 and 2033, state net operating loss carryforwards of $4.1 million that expire between 2024 and 2033. The Company’s federal net operating loss of $1.6 million is all related to stock-based compensation tax deductions in excess of book compensation expense (APIC NOLs) that will be credited to additional paid in capital when such deductions reduce taxes payable as determined on a “with-and-without” basis. The Company’s state net operating losses consist of tax deductible expenses in addition to excess tax benefits for stock-based compensation. Additionally, the Company has $1.5 million of state research credits with no expiration.
Investment in Foreign Operations
The Company has not provided deferred U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on approximately $2.0 million of undistributed cumulative earnings of foreign subsidiaries because the Company considers such earnings to be permanently reinvested in those operations. Upon repatriation of these earnings, the Company would be subject to U.S. income tax, net of available foreign tax credits. The Company does not believe that the net tax effect of repatriation of foreign earnings is significant.
Tangible Property Regulations
On September 13, 2013, the U. S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued final regulations providing comprehensive guidance on the tax treatment of costs incurred to acquire, repair or improve tangible property. The final regulations are generally effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. On January 24, 2014, the IRS issued procedural guidance pursuant to which taxpayers will be granted automatic consent to change their tax accounting methods to comply with the final regulations. These regulations did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	8. Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases
	The Company has operating leases for facilities through 2020 and office equipment through 2019. The future minimum rental payments under these leases at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	989
	2016		845
	2017		690
	2018		662
	2019		545
	Thereafter		83
	Future minimum lease payments	$	3,814
	The rent expense under leases was approximately $0.9 million, $1.0 million, and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Capital Leases
	The Company has capital leases for office and manufacturing equipment. As of December 31, 2014, the equipment had cost, accumulated depreciation, and a net book value as follows:
		Amount
	Cost	$	189
	Accumulated Depreciation		(16	)
	Net Book Value	$	173
	There were no capital leases in 2013.
	The following table presents future minimum lease payments under capital leases together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments due in each year:
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	44
	2016		44
	2017		44
	2018		34
	2019		23
	Total minimum payments required:		189
	Less amount representing interest:		16
	Present value of net minimum lease payments:	$	173
	Warranty Reserve and Sales Returns
	The Company allows its major distributors and certain other customers to return unused product under specified terms and conditions. The Company accrues for product returns based on historical sales and return trends. The Company’s allowance for sales returns was $0.1 million at December 31, 2014, and $0.2 million at December 31, 2013, respectively, and is included within accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheet.
	The Company offers repair and replacement warranties of primarily two years for antenna products and three years for scanning receivers. The Company’s warranty reserve is based on historical sales and costs of repair and replacement trends. The warranty reserve was $0.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	305		$	270
	Provisions for warranties		124			192
	Consumption of reserves		(125	)		(157	)
	Ending balance	$	304		$	305
	Legal Proceedings
	Settlement with TelWorx Parties
	On March 27, 2013, the Company, its wholly owned subsidiary PCTelWorx, Inc. (“PCTelWorx”), and the TelWorx Parties (as defined below) entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2012 (the “Original Agreement), among the Company, PCTelWorx, Ciao Enterprises, LLC f/k/a TelWorx Communications, LLC and certain of its affiliated entities (collectively, the “TelWorx Entities”) and Tim and Brenda Scronce (“Sellers” and collectively with the TelWorx Entities, the “TelWorx Parties”), as part of a settlement arrangement relative to PCTelWorx’ s acquisition of substantially all of the assets and the assumption of certain specified liabilities of the TelWorx Entities on July 9, 2012 (the “Acquisition”).
	As disclosed in the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on March 13, 2013, after completion of the Acquisition, the Company became aware of certain accounting irregularities with respect to the TelWorx Entities and the Company’s Board of Directors directed management to conduct an internal investigation. Based on the results of the
	Company’s investigation, the Company’s Board of Directors directed management to seek restitution from the TelWorx Parties, and after protracted negotiations and concurrent litigation, the parties entered into the Amendment and related settlement agreements to resolve their dispute.
	The following is a summary of the material terms of the Amendment:
	•	the TelWorx Parties paid the Company a cash payment of $4.3 million, which included $1.0 million pursuant to the working capital adjustment provisions of the Original Agreement;
	•	the TelWorx Parties forfeited all $1.5 million of the potential contingent consideration earnable under the Original Agreement, which had a fair value of $0.6 million, and which, if earned, would have been payable in the form of common stock of the Company;
	•	the TelWorx Parties forfeited the $0.5 million holdback escrow under the Original Agreement;
	•	the parties agreed to the elimination of all indemnification obligations provided for under the Original Agreement;
	•	the Company, PCTelWorx and the Sellers each agreed to execute mutual releases of all claims arising in connection with the dispute; and
	•	PCTelWorx acquired an option to terminate the facility lease in Lexington, North Carolina with Scronce Real Estate, LLC (which is controlled by Sellers) upon 180 days written notice.
	The settlement had an aggregate fair value of $5.4 million, consisting of $4.3 million cash received, $0.6 million for the contingent consideration forfeited, and $0.5 million for the holdback escrow balance released. Approximately $1.0 million of the cash received was pursuant to the working capital adjustment provisions of the Original Agreement. The remaining $4.3 million settlement amount, consisting of $3.2 million cash and the release of the $0.6 million contingent consideration fair value and the $0.5 million release of the holdback escrow, was recorded as income in the quarter ended March 31, 2013, consistent with accounting for legal settlements.
	As part of the Acquisition, PCTelWorx executed a five-year lease with Scronce Real Estate, LLC for the continued use of an operating facility and offices in Lexington, North Carolina, which provided for annual rental payments of approximately $0.2 million. In May 2013, the Company gave notice of its election to exercise its option to terminate the Lexington facility lease, with termination effective October 31, 2013.
	Settlement with Other Parties on the TelWorx Acquisition
	The Company also engaged in efforts to seek further restitution from two other parties used by the TelWorx Parties for professional services in their sale of the business to PCTEL. On September 30, 2014, the Company settled in cash with one party for $0.1 million and on October 10, 2014, the Company settled with the other party in cash for $0.8 million. The Company recorded the settlements as income in the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	9. Shareholders’ Equity
	Common Stock
	The activity related to common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31st is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning of year		18,566			18,515			18,219
	Issuance of common stock on exercise of stock options net of stock swaps		58			91			5
	Issuance of restricted common stock and performance shares, net of cancellations		183			49			348
	Issuance of common stock from purchase of Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares		101			113			104
	Cancellation of stock for withholding tax for vested shares		(121	)		(142	)		(161	)
	Common stock buyback		(216	)		(60	)		0
	End of Year		18,571			18,566			18,515
	Preferred Stock
	The Company is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, each with a par value of $0.001 per share. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	10. Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock Plans
	Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had 3,674,726 shares of common stock that could potentially be issued under various stock-based compensation plans described in this footnote. A summary of the reserved shares of common stock for future issuance are as
	follows:
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	1997 Stock Plan			2,835,151			3,283,103
	2001 Stock Plan			68,810			68,810
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan			770,765			121,373
	Total shares reserved			3,674,726			3,473,286
	These amounts include the shares available for grant and the options outstanding.
	1997 Stock Plan
	The Board of Directors may grant to employees, directors and consultants restricted stock, options to purchase common stock, or stock purchase rights at terms and prices determined by the Board under the 1997 Stock Plan which expires in 2016. Under the 1997 Stock Plan, each restricted share award consumes 1.78 of shares available and each stock option award consumes 1.0 share available. As of December 31, 2014, options to acquire 1,289,118 shares were outstanding and a total of 1,546,033 shares remain available for future grants.
	2001 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
	Options granted under the 2001 Plan are exercisable at any time within ten years from the date of grant or within ninety days of termination of employment. In June 2010 the stockholders approved certain changes to the 1997 Stock Plan that included the following: (i) there would be no additional grants from the 2001 Stock Plan; and (ii) any shares returned (or that would have otherwise returned) to the 2001 Plan would be added to the shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 1997 Stock Plan. The 2001 Plan terminated in August 2011, and options to acquire 68,810 shares were outstanding at December 31, 2014.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), eligible employees can purchase common stock at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of each offering period. In June 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved an amended and restated ESPP. Under the restated ESPP, the number of shares authorized for issuance was increased by 750,000 and the expiration date of the ESPP was modified from March 2017 to the date that all shares authorized have been granted. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 770,765 shares remaining that can be issued under the Purchase Plan.
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	The consolidated statements of operations include $3.3 million, $3.4 million, and $3.0 million of stock compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, consisted of $1.5 million for service-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, $1.2 million for stock option and stock purchase plan expenses, and $0.6 million for performance-based stock awards. Stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013, consisted of $2.3 million for service-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, $0.9 million for stock option and stock purchase plan expenses, and $0.2 million for performance-based stock awards. Stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2012, consisted of $2.7 million for restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, and $0.3 million for stock option and stock purchase plan expenses. The Company did not capitalize any stock compensation expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	The stock-based compensation expense by type is as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Service-based awards		$	1,468		$	2,332		$	2,732
	Stock option and employee purchase plans			1,192			883			260
	Performance-based shares and stock options			616			226			0
			$	3,276		$	3,441		$	2,992
	The stock-based compensation is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Cost of revenues		$	426		$	390		$	378
	Research and development			659			689			585
	Sales and marketing			661			575			544
	General and administrative			1,530			1,786			1,479
	Total continuing operations			3,276			3,440			2,986
	Discontinued operations			0			1			6
	Total		$	3,276		$	3,441		$	2,992
	Restricted Stock - Serviced Based
	The Company grants restricted shares as employee incentives. When service-based restricted stock is granted to employees, the Company records deferred stock compensation within additional paid in capital, representing the fair value of the common stock on the date the restricted shares are granted. The Company records stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the applicable service-based restricted shares. These grants vest over various periods, but typically vest over four years. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2012, the Company awarded annual service-based restricted stock to eligible employees.
	The following table summarizes service-based restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31st:
			2014						2013					2012
			Shares			Weighted			Shares			Weighted		Shares			Weighted
						Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
						Value						Value					Value
	Unvested Restricted Stock Awards - beginning of year			543,021		$	6.59			940,685		$	6.24		1,122,296		$	5.9
	Shares awarded			182,407			8.19			23,982			8.26		229,950			7.04
	Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards			0			0			0			0		139,150			6.47
	Shares vested			(378,417	)		6.6			(401,713	)		5.87		(474,705	)		5.88
	Shares cancelled			(3,175	)		8.28			(19,933	)		6.68		(76,006	)		6.25
	Unvested Restricted Stock Awards - end of year			343,836		$	7.41			543,021		$	6.59		940,685		$	6.24
	The intrinsic values of services-based restricted shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $3.2 million, $3.0 million, and $3.6 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s restricted stock was approximately $1.3 million, net of estimated forfeitures to be recognized through 2018 over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
	Restricted Stock Units – Service Based
	The Company grants restricted stock units as employee incentives. Restricted stock units are primarily granted to foreign employees for long-term incentive purposes. Employee restricted stock units are service-based awards and are amortized over the vesting period. At the vesting date, these units are converted to shares of common stock. The Company records expense on a straight-line basis for restricted stock units.
	The following summarizes the service-based restricted stock unit activity during the year ended December 31st:
			2014						2013					2012
	Unvested Restricted Stock Units		Shares			Weighted			Shares			Weighted		Shares			Weighted
						Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
						Value						Value					Value
	Beginning of Year			6,325		$	6.7			11,925		$	6.61		10,150		$	6.28
	Units awarded			1,500			8.77			0			0		5,000			7.04
	Units vested/Shares awarded			(3,225	)		6.56			(4,475	)		6.46		(3,225	)		6.24
	Units cancelled			0			0			(1,125	)		6.77		0			0
	End of Year			4,600		$	7.47			6,325		$	6.7		11,925		$	6.61
The intrinsic values of service-based restricted stock units that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $27, $34, and $24, respectively.
The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $21, $25, and $27 for restricted stock units in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s restricted stock units was $17, net of estimated forfeitures to be recognized through 2018 over a weighted average period of 1.6 years
Stock Options
The Company grants stock options to purchase common stock as long-term incentives. The Company issues stock options with exercise prices no less than the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Employee options contain installment vesting typically over a period of four years. Stock options may be exercised at any time prior to their expiration date or within ninety days of termination of employment, or such shorter time as may be provided in the related stock option agreement. Prior to July 2010, the Company primarily granted stock options with a ten-year life. Beginning with options granted in July 2010, the Company grants stock options with a seven-year life. During 2013, the Company issued its annual long-term incentive awards in the form of stock options, and during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company awarded stock options to eligible new employees for incentive purposes.
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31st is as follows:
		2014						2013					2012
		Options			Weighted			Options			Weighted		Options			Weighted
		Outstanding			Average			Outstanding			Average		Outstanding			Average
					Exercise						Exercise					Exercise
					Price						Price					Price
Beginning of Year			1,461,559		$	8.4			1,099,106		$	9.06		1,411,581		$	9.02
Options granted			25,800			8.19			698,050			7.23		76,300			6.39
Options granted from stock option rights			207,236			7.16			0			0		0			0
Options exercised			(74,463	)		7.46			(164,079	)		7.84		(5,000	)		6.58
Options forfeited			(10,144	)		7.98			(40,783	)		6.86		(25,992	)		6.3
Options cancelled/expired			(252,060	)		10.86			(130,735	)		8.85		(357,783	)		8.57
End of Year			1,357,928		$	7.81			1,461,559		$	8.4		1,099,106		$	9.06
Exercisable			643,810		$	8.46			759,284		$	9.51		1,037,420		$	9.22
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received proceeds of $0.6 million from the exercise of 74,463 options. The intrinsic value of these options exercised was $72. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company received proceeds of $1.3 million from the exercise of 164,079 options. The intrinsic value of these options exercised was $252. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company received proceeds of $33 from the exercise of 5,000 options. The intrinsic value of these options exercised was $4.
The range of exercise prices for options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014, was $5.50 to $11.00. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding under all stock option plans:
								Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
Range of								Number			Weighted		Weighted-			Number		Weighted
Exercise Prices								Outstanding			Average		Average			Exercisable		Average
											Contractual Life		Exercise Price					Exercise Price
											(Years)
	$5.50			—	$	6			3,525			4.79	$	5.66			3,101	$	5.62
	6.01			—		6.5			17,672			4.23		6.23			10,941		6.23
	6.51			—		7			39,272			3.47		6.85			33,908		6.86
	7.01			—		7.5			840,279			5.26		7.17			178,347		7.18
	7.51			—		8			30,300			4.92		7.81			9,403		7.83
	8.01			—		8.5			35,745			2.74		8.42			27,269		8.46
	8.51			—		9			40,750			2		8.74			33,530		8.74
	9.01			—		9.5			288,835			1.35		9.16			287,210		9.16
	9.51			—		10			20,650			3.4		9.64			19,201		9.64
	10.01			—		11			40,900			1.46		10.64			40,900		10.64
	$5.50			—		$11.00			1,357,928			4.05	$	7.81			643,810	$	8.46
The weighted average contractual life and intrinsic value at December 31, 2014, was the following:
		Weighted			Intrinsic
		Average			Value
		Contractual
		Life (years)
Options Outstanding			4.05		$	1,408
Options Exercisable			2.65		$	376
The intrinsic value is based on the share price of $8.66 at December 31, 2014.
The Company calculated the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions at December 31st:
		2014			2013			2012
Dividend yield			2.3	%		1.7	%		1.7	%
Risk-free interest rate			0.8	%		0.5	%		0.3	%
Expected volatility			33	%		45	%		52	%
Expected life (in years)			5.3			5.8			5.5
The fair value of each unvested option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility and expected option life. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models may not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the employee stock options.
The dividend yield rate was calculated by dividing the Company’s annual dividend by the closing price on the grant date. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yields with remaining term that approximates the expected life of the options granted. The Company calculates the volatility based on a five-year historical period of the Company’s stock price. The Company incorporates a forfeiture rate based on historical data in the expense calculation. The expected life used for options granted is based on historical data of employee exercise performance. The Company records expense based on the grading vesting method.
As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s stock options was approximately $0.6 million, net of estimated forfeitures to be recognized through 2018 over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.
Performance-based Equity Awards
Performance units
In March 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2014 LTIP”) and the LTIP award agreements were completed in April 2014. Under the 2014 LTIP, shares are earned by certain executive employees based upon achievement of revenue goals over a four-year period with a penalty if certain profit levels are not maintained. The four-year period is divided into two interim periods (each an “Interim Period”), the first of which will end on December 31, 2015, and the second of which will end on December 31, 2017. The number of shares that can be earned at threshold and target are 190,000 and 380,000, respectively. Stock compensation expense is amortized over the performance period for these awards based on estimated achievement of the goals. The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $0.6 million for performance awards during the year ended December 31, 2014.
During 2012, the Company granted performance units to certain executive officers under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Shares were earned upon achievement of defined performance goals for revenue and earnings. Certain of these performance units granted were subject to a service period before vesting. The fair value of the performance units issued was based on the Company’s stock price on the date the performance units were granted. Because the targets related to the 2012 performance units were not met, the Company did not record any expense related to these awards during the year ended December 31, 2012. The 147,250 performance units outstanding at December 31, 2012, were cancelled in March 2013.
The following summarizes the performance unit activity during the years ended December 31st:
		2014						2013					2012
Unvested Performance Units		Awards			Weighted			Awards			Weighted		Awards			Weighted
					Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
					Value						Value					Value
Beginning of Year			0		$	0			147,250		$	7.04		132,906		$	6.48
Units awarded			380,000			8.47			0			0		169,650			7
Units vested			0			0			0			0		(4,836	)		6.75
Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards			0			0			0			0		(139,150	)		6.47
Units cancelled			0			0			(147,250	)		7.04		(11,320	)		7.01
End of Year			380,000		$	8.47			0		$	0		147,250		$	7.04
The intrinsic value of performance units that vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, was $36.
Performance stock option rights
For the Company’s 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company awarded 182,500 performance-based retention stock option rights to executive officers with a weighted average grant date fair value of $2.83 in April 2013. The number of options granted was based on the target for the Company’s 2013 revenue goal. In March 2014, the Company awarded 207,236 stock options because the Company exceeded the target revenue goal for 2013. These options will vest between two and four years beginning in April 2014. The Company records expense for these retention stock options on the grading vested method based on achievement of the performance goals. The assumptions used for the valuation of these stock options were consistent with the employee stock options awarded to employees in April 2013.
The following table summarizes the retention stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		2014						2013
Retention Stock Option Rights		Stock			Weighted			Stock			Weighted
		Options			Average			Options			Average
		Rights			Exercise			Rights			Exercise
					Price						Price
Beginning of Year			182,500		$	7.16			0		$	0
Stock option rights granted			24,736			7.16			182,500			7.16
Stock options granted			(207,236	)		7.16			0			0
End of Year			0		$	0			182,500		$	0
Exercisable			0		$	0			0		$	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The following summarizes the Purchase Plan activity during the years ended December 31st:
		2014						2013					2012
		Shares			Weighted			Shares			Weighted		Shares			Weighted
					Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
					Value at Grant						Value at Grant					Value at Grant
					Date						Date					Date
Outstanding, beginning of year			0		$	0			0		$	0		0		$	0
Granted			100,608			1.88			112,965			2.24		104,073			1.89
Vested			(100,608	)		1.88			(112,965	)		2.24		(104,073	)		1.89
Outstanding, end of year			0		$	0			0		$	0		0		$	0
Based on the 15% discount and the fair value of the option feature of this plan, the ESPP is considered compensatory. Compensation expense is calculated using the fair value of the employees’ purchase rights under the Black-Scholes model. The Company recognized compensation expense of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, and $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.
The Company calculated the fair value of each employee stock purchase grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions:
		Employee Stock
		Purchase Plan
		2014			2013			2012
Dividend yield			2.2	%		1.7	%		1.7	%
Risk-free interest rate			0.3	%		0.3	%		0.2	%
Expected volatility			38	%		51	%		52	%
Expected life (in years)			0.5			0.5			0.5
The dividend yield rate was calculated by dividing the Company’s annual dividend by the closing price on the grant date. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yields with remaining term that approximates the expected life of the options granted. The dividend yield rate is calculated by dividing the Company’s annual dividend by the closing price on the grant date. The Company calculates the volatility based on a five-year historical period of the Company’s stock price. The expected life used is based on the offering period.
Board of Director Equity Awards
The Company grants equity awards to its Board of Directors for an annual retainer and for committee services in either shares of the Company’s stock or restricted stock units. These awards are immediately vesting. New directors receive time-based restricted shares which vest over three years. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 35,555 shares of the Company’s stock with a fair value of $277 which vested immediately to the Directors. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company issued 38,812 shares of the Company’s stock with a fair value of $307 which vested immediately to the Directors. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company issued 21,602 shares of the Company’s stock with a fair value of $132 and issued 24,820 restricted stock units with fair value of $152 that vested immediately to the Directors.
Employee Withholding Taxes on Stock Awards
For ease in administering the issuance of stock awards, the Company holds back shares of vested restricted stock awards and short-term incentive plan stock awards for the value of the statutory withholding taxes. For each individual receiving a share award, the Company redeems the shares it computes as the value for the withholding tax and remits this amount to the appropriate tax authority. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company paid $1.0 million, $1.0 million, and $1.2 million for withholding taxes related to stock awards.

Stock_Repurchases

Stock Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Stock Repurchases	11. Stock Repurchases
	All share repurchase programs are authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors and are announced publicly. On March 18, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of $5.0 million. On May 6, 2014, the Board of Directors extended this stock buyback program through September 2014. On November 13, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares.
	The following table is a summary of the share repurchases for the years ended December 31st:
	Year	Shares		Amount		Avg price
						per Share
	2013		59,510	$	435	$	7.31
	2014		215,650	$	1,651	$	7.66
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, no shares of the Company’s common stock were repurchased.

Segment_Customer_and_Geographi

Segment, Customer and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment, Customer and Geographic Information	12. Segment, Customer and Geographic Information
	PCTEL operates in two segments for reporting purposes as of January 1, 2013. The Company’s Connected Solutions segment includes its antenna and engineered site solutions. Its RF Solutions segment includes its scanning receivers and RF engineering services. Each of the segments has its own segment manager as well as its own engineering, sales and marketing, and operational general and administrative functions. All of the Company’s accounting and finance, human resources, IT and legal functions are provided on a centralized basis through the corporate function. The Company manages its balance sheet and cash flows centrally at the corporate level, with the exception of trade accounts receivable and inventory which is managed at the segment level. Each of the segment managers reports to and maintains regular contact with the chief operating decision maker to discuss operating activities, financial results, forecasts, or plans for the segment. As of January 1, 2013 the Company’s chief operating decision maker uses the profit and loss results through operating profit and identified assets for Connected Solutions and RF Solutions segments to make operating decisions. The segment information presented for year ended December 31, 2012 has been adjusted to reflect the results for Connected Solutions and RF Solutions on a consistent basis.
	The following tables are the segment operating profits and cash flow information for the year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and the segment balance sheet information as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
		Solutions
	REVENUES	$	72,333		$	35,113		($	282	)	$	107,164
	GROSS PROFIT		22,818			20,743			26			43,587
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	$	7,357		$	7,333		($	10,586	)	$	4,104
	Depreciation	$	1,700		$	795		$	344		$	2,839
	Intangible amortization	$	1,151		$	816		$	0		$	1,967
	Capital expenditures	$	1,173		$	1,328		$	41		$	2,542
		As of December 31, 2014
		Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
		Solutions
	Accounts receivable	$	15,947		$	7,927		$	0		$	23,874
	Inventories	$	14,172		$	2,186		$	0		$	16,358
	Long-lived assets:
	Property and equipment, net	$	11,124		$	2,987		$	731		$	14,842
	Goodwill	$	0		$	161		$	0		$	161
	Intangible assets, net	$	1,681		$	956		$	0		$	2,637
	Deferred tax assets, net	$	0		$	0		$	9,710		$	9,710
	Other noncurrent assets	$	0		$	0		$	40		$	40
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
		Solutions
	REVENUES	$	74,223		$	30,310		($	280	)	$	104,253
	GROSS PROFIT		22,720			19,018			22			41,760
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	$	6,012		$	7,248		($	12,964	)	$	296
	Depreciation	$	1,785		$	570		$	315		$	2,670
	Intangible amortization	$	1,573		$	827		$	0		$	2,400
	Capital expenditures	$	1,505		$	1,251		$	203		$	2,959
		As of December 31, 2013
		Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
		Solutions
	Accounts receivable	$	11,934		$	6,669		$	0		$	18,603
	Inventories	$	12,802		$	1,733		$	0		$	14,535
	Long-lived assets:
	Property and equipment, net	$	11,508		$	2,427		$	1,036		$	14,971
	Goodwill	$	0		$	161		$	0		$	161
	Intangible assets, net	$	2,832		$	1,772		$	0		$	4,604
	Deferred tax assets, net	$	0		$	0		$	11,827		$	11,827
	Other noncurrent assets	$	0		$	0		$	41		$	41
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
		Solutions
	REVENUES	$	67,511		$	21,469		($	131	)	$	88,849
	GROSS PROFIT		21,037			14,744			39			35,820
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	($	6,062	)	$	4,246		($	9,045	)	($	10,861	)
	Depreciation	$	1,630		$	525		$	277		$	2,432
	Intangible amortization	$	1,478		$	881		$	0		$	2,359
	Capital expenditures	$	2,091		$	725		$	565		$	3,381
	The Company’s revenue to customers outside of the United States, as a percent of total revenues, is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
	Region	2014			2013			2012
	Europe, Middle East, & Africa		11	%		13	%		13	%
	Asia Pacific		11	%		10	%		10	%
	Other Americas		5	%		6	%		7	%
	Total Foreign sales		27	%		29	%		30	%
	Total Domestic sales		73	%		71	%		70	%
			100	%		100	%		100	%
	There were no customers that accounted for 10% or greater of revenues during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounts receivable balance represented greater 10% or greater of gross receivable.
	The long-lived assets by geographic region are as follows:
		December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
United States	$	26,436		$	30,682		$	36,732
All Other		954			922			880
	$	27,390		$	31,604		$	37,612

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	13. Benefit Plans
	The Company’s 401(k) plan covers all of the U.S. employees beginning the first of the month following the first month of their employment. Under this plan, employees may elect to contribute up to 15% of their current compensation to the 401(k) plan up to the statutorily prescribed annual limit. The Company may make discretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan. The Company also contributes to various defined contribution retirement plans for foreign employees.
	The Company’s contributions to retirement plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	PCTEL, Inc. 401(k) Profit sharing Plan - US employees	$	666	$	584	$	592
	Defined contribution plans - foreign employees		332		259		213
	Total	$	998	$	843	$	805
	Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
	Through December 2013, the Company provided an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (“EDCP”) for executive officers, senior managers and directors. Under the EDCP, the executives could select to defer up to 50% of salary and up to 100% of cash bonuses. In addition, the Company provided a 4% matching cash contribution which vests depending upon the number of completed years of participation in the EDCP. The Company funded the obligation related to the EDCP with corporate-owned life insurance policies. The executive had a choice of investment alternatives from a menu of mutual funds offered by the insurance company. In November 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the termination of the EDCP and on December 27, 2013, the plan was terminated. The funds at the life insurance company were remitted to the Company and subsequently invested by the Company to fund the obligation.
	At December 31, 2014, the value of the Company’s investment account to fund EDCP obligations was $2.1 million, included in cash equivalents and short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The funds from the insurance company were received by the Company in January 2014 following the termination of the plan in December 2013. As such, $1.9 million was included in prepaid assets and other receivables on the balance sheet at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014 the deferred compensation obligation was $2.0 million, included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31 2013, the deferred compensation obligation was $1.9 million, included in long-term liabilities, in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Each participant received the value of his or her account in January 2015.

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	14. Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
		Quarters Ended,
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2014			2014			2014		2014
	Revenues	$	23,656		$	26,181		$	27,932	$	29,395
	Gross profit		9,582			10,850			11,394		11,761
	Operating income (loss)		(422	)		545			2,096		1,885
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(225	)		879			2,304		2,812
	Net income (loss)	($	146	)	$	545		$	2,218	$	1,995
	Earnings (loss) per Share:
	Basic	($	0.01	)	$	0.03		$	0.12	$	0.11
	Diluted	($	0.01	)	$	0.03		$	0.12	$	0.11
	Weighted Average Shares:
	Basic		18,176			18,165			18,112		18,154
	Diluted		18,176			18,291			18,271		18,412
		Quarters Ended,
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2013			2013			2013		2013
	Revenues	$	25,073		$	26,746		$	26,471	$	25,963
	Gross profit		9,593			10,548			10,776		10,843
	Operating income (loss) from continuing operations		(1,310	)		258			928		420
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		3,022			315			1,317		1,020
	Net income from continuing operations		1,951			187			751		453
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations		(86	)		(22	)		0		17
	Net income	$	1,865		$	165		$	751	$	470
	Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
	Basic	$	0.11		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.03
	Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.02
	Earnings (Loss) per Share from Discontinued Operations:
	Basic	$	0		$	0		$	0	$	0
	Diluted	($	0.01	)	$	0		$	0	$	0
	Earnings per Share:
	Basic	$	0.11		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.03
	Diluted	$	0.1		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.02
	Weighted Average Shares:
	Basic		17,684			17,790			17,841		17,916
	Diluted		17,911			18,075			18,354		18,508

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	15. Related Parties
	Commencing July 9, 2012 through October 2013, the Company’s lease for its Lexington, North Carolina facility was with Scronce Real Estate LLC. Scronce Real Estate, LLC is owned by Tim and Brenda Scronce, the wife of Tim Scronce. Tim and/or Brenda Scronce were the majority owners of the TelWorx entities as defined in Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies above. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary PCTelWorx, Inc. (“PCTelWorx”), purchased certain of the assets of TelWorx in July 2012. Tim Scronce worked for the Company until his resignation in December 2012 and Brenda Scronce never worked for the Company. In May 2013, the Company gave notice of early termination of the lease which became effective October 31, 2013. The Company signed a new lease for an office facility in Lexington effective August 1, 2013. The new lease is not with a related party.
	Through October 2013, the Company’s lease for its Melbourne, Florida office was with 3dB, LLC, a real estate entity co-owned by Robert Joslin, Scott Clay, and Greg Akin. As co-owners of Envision Wireless, Joslin, Clay and Akin sold the assets of Envision Wireless to the Company in October 2011. Joslin, Clay, and Akin continue to work for the Company. This lease expired October 31, 2013. In September 2013, the Company signed a five-year lease for new office space in Melbourne, Florida. The new lease is not with a related party.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Accumulated other comprehensive income of $135 and $209 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, consists of foreign translation adjustments.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	17. Subsequent Events
	The Company evaluates subsequent events occurring between the most recent balance sheet date and the date that the financial statements are available to be issued in order to determine whether the subsequent events are to be recorded and/or disclosed in the Company’s financial statements and footnotes. The financial statements are considered to be available to be issued at the time that they are filed with the SEC. Except as described below, there were no other subsequent events or transactions that required recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
	Purchase of assets
	On February 27, 2015, PCTEL, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets of, and assumed certain specified liabilities of, Nexgen Wireless, Inc., an Illinois corporation (“Nexgen”), pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of February 27, 2015 (the “Acquisition Agreement”) among PCTEL, Nexgen, Bhumika Thakkar 2012 Irrevocable Trust Number One, Bhumika Thakkar 2012 Irrevocable Trust Number Two, and Jigar Thakkar, and Bhumika Thakkar.
	The business of Nexgen is based in Schaumburg, Illinois. Nexgen provides Meridian™, a network analysis tool portfolio, and engineering services. Nexgen’s Meridian software product portfolio translates real-time network performance data into engineering actions to optimize operator performance. Meridian, with its modules of Network IQ™, Subscriber IQ™, and Map IQ™, supports crowd-based, cloud-based data analysis to enhance network performance. Nexgen provides performance engineering, specialized staffing, and trend analysis for carriers, infrastructure vendors, and neutral hosts for 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE networks.
	The purchase price was $20.5 million in cash paid at the closing of the transaction, with a potential performance-based earn-out valued at up to $2.0 million, which brings the total potential consideration to $22.5 million. The earn-out is dependent on the achievement of revenue-based goals pertaining to the acquired business for the period commencing on March 1, 2015 and ending on April 30, 2016. The cash consideration paid was provided from PCTEL’s existing cash. The assets acquired consisted primarily of intellectual property (including trade names), working capital (accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities), fixed assets and customer relationships. The Nexgen Parties are bound by non-competition covenants under the Acquisition Agreement, which generally survive until February 27, 2019.
	PCTEL will continue the employment of 160 employees of Nexgen. Mr. Thakkar will remain with the acquired business as PCTEL’s newly-appointed Vice President, Network Analytics, under an employment arrangement that includes non-competition covenants for the duration of his employment with PCTEL and for 12 months thereafter (which covenants are in addition to his non-competition covenants under the Acquisition Agreement described above). PCTEL has assumed Nexgen’s existing lease for Nexgen’s facility and offices in Schaumburg, Illinois and will operate the acquired business from that location.
	The Company does not have any material relationship with the Nexgen Parties, other than in respect of the Acquisition Agreement and the transactions provided for therein.
	All of the Nexgen assets and employees will be integrated into the Company’s RF Solutions segment.
	New Office Lease
	In February 2015, we entered into a new five-year lease for office space of approximately 4,800 square feet in Englewood, Colorado that will be used for engineering services. This lease expires in 2020.

Schedule_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

Schedule II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
		Balance at		Charged to			Addition			Balance at
		Beginning		Costs and			(Deductions)			End of
		of Year		Expenses						Year
	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	132		85			5		$	222
	Warranty reserves	$	249		85			(64	)	$	270
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$	643		19			0		$	662
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	222		130			(222	)	$	130
	Warranty reserves	$	270		192			(157	)	$	305
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$	662		(22	)		0		$	640
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	130		48			(57	)	$	121
	Warranty reserves	$	305		124			(125	)	$	304
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$	640		(7	)		0		$	633

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si1

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	Effective January 1, 2013, PCTEL operates in two segments for reporting purposes, RF Solutions and Connected Solutions. As of January 1, 2013, the Company’s chief operating decision maker uses the profit and loss results through operating profit and identified assets for the Connected Solutions and RF Solutions segments to make operating decisions. Each segment has its own segment manager as well as its own engineering, sales and marketing, and operational general and administrative functions. All of the Company’s accounting and finance, human resources, IT and legal functions are provided on a centralized basis through the corporate function. The Company manages its balance sheet and cash flows centrally at the corporate level, with the exception of trade accounts receivable and inventory which is managed at the segment level. Each of the segment managers reports to and maintains regular contact with the chief operating decision maker to discuss operating activities, financial results, forecasts, or plans for the segment.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company operated in two different segments, PCTEL Secure, LLC and the rest of the Company. The Company’s chief operating decision maker used the profit and loss results and the assets to make operating decisions. The 2012 segment information presented in the financial statements has been presented on a retrospective basis reflecting the Connected Solutions and RF Solution segments on a consistent basis with the current period.
	Connected Solutions Segment
	Connected Solutions designs and delivers performance critical antennas and site solutions for wireless networks globally. The Company’s antennas and site solutions support networks worldwide, including SCADA (“Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition”) for oil, gas and utilities, fleet management, industrial operations, health care, small cell and network timing deployment, defense, public safety, education, and broadband access. PCTEL’s performance critical MAXRAD® and Bluewave™ antenna solutions include high rejection and high performance GPS and GNSS products, the industry leading Yagi portfolio, mobile and indoor LTE, broadband, and LMR antennas and PIM-rated antennas for transit, in-building, and small cell applications. The Company provides performance critical mobile towers for demanding emergency and oil and gas network applications and leverage our design, logistics, and support capabilities to deliver performance critical site solutions into carrier, railroad, and utility applications. Revenue growth for antenna and site solutions is primarily driven by the increased use of wireless communications in these vertical markets. PCTEL’s antenna and site solution products are primarily sold through distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) providers. The current antenna and site solutions product portfolio and expansion into these vertical markets resulted from organic growth and a series of six acquisitions, the most recent being the acquisition of certain assets of TelWorx Communications LLC, TelWorx U.K. Limited, TowerWorx LLC, and TowerWorx International, Inc. (collectively “TelWorx”), in July 2012.
	There are many competitors for antenna products, as the market is highly fragmented. Competitors include Laird (Cushcraft, Centurion, and Antennex brands), Mobile Mark, Radiall/Larsen, Comtelco, Wilson, Commscope (Andrew products), Kathrein, among others. The Company seeks out product applications that command a premium for product performance and customer service, and avoid commodity markets.
	PCTEL maintains expertise in several technology areas in order to be competitive in the antenna engineered site solutions market. These include radio frequency engineering, mobile antenna design and manufacturing, mechanical engineering, product quality and testing, and wireless network engineering.
	RF Solutions Segment
	RF Solutions develops and provides performance critical test equipment, software, and engineering services for wireless networks.  The industry relies upon PCTEL to benchmark network performance, analyze trends, and optimize wireless networks. SeeGull® scanning receivers are used around the world for indoor and drive test applications, including baseline testing, acceptance testing, competitive benchmarking, spectrum clearing, troubleshooting, and network optimization. SeeGull scanning receivers provide high quality real-world RF measurements needed to build, tune, troubleshoot, and expand commercial wireless networks. The Company’s highly-trained engineering services team uses state-of-the-art test, measurement, and design tools to provide engineering services for in-building and outdoor networks. Our engineering services team (“NES”), which commenced in 2011 with the acquisition of certain assets from Envision Wireless Inc. (“Envision”), provides wireless network testing, optimization, design, integration, and consulting services, with an emphasis on in-building distributed antenna systems (“DAS”). Revenue growth for the segment’s products and services is driven by the deployment of products based on new wireless technology and the need for wireless networks to be tuned and reconfigured on a regular basis. Scanning receiver products are sold primarily through test and measurement value -added resellers and to a lesser extent directly to network operators. Competitors for these products are OEMs such as JDS Uniphase, Rohde and Schwarz, Anritsu, Digital Receiver Technology, and Berkley Varitronics.
	On February 27, 2015, PCTEL, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets of, and assumed certain specified liabilities of, Nexgen Wireless, Inc., an Illinois corporation (“Nexgen”), pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of February 27, 2015 (the “Acquisition Agreement”) among PCTEL, Nexgen, Bhumika Thakkar 2012 Irrevocable Trust Number One, Bhumika Thakkar 2012 Irrevocable Trust Number Two, and Jigar Thakkar and Bhumika Thakkar.
	The business of Nexgen is based in Schaumburg, Illinois. Nexgen provides Meridian™, a network analysis tool portfolio, and engineering services. Nexgen’s Meridian software product portfolio translates real-time network performance data into engineering actions to optimize operator performance. Meridian, with its modules of Network IQ™, Subscriber IQ™, and Map IQ™, supports crowd-based, cloud-based data analysis to enhance network performance. Nexgen provides performance engineering, specialized staffing, and trend analysis for carriers, infrastructure vendors, and neutral hosts for 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE networks. Refer to footnote 17 related to subsequent events for more information on the Nexgen acquisition.
	PCTEL maintains expertise in several technology areas in order to be competitive in the scanning receiver and related engineering services market. These include radio frequency engineering, DSP engineering, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, product quality and testing, and wireless network engineering.
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation
	These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	On April 30, 2013, the Company divested all material assets associated with its PCTEL Secure, LLC subsidiary’s ProsettaCore™ technology to Redwall Technologies, LLC (“Redwall”), a development organization that specializes in mobile security, military and defense projects and systems, and critical national infrastructure. Under the terms of the agreement, Redwall acquired the server and device software (the “Software”), the underlying intellectual property, and complete development responsibility for the security products. At the closing of the divestiture, the Company received no upfront cash payment, but has the right to receive a royalty of 7% of the net sale price of each future sale or license of the Software and each provision of services related to the Software, if any. Under the agreement, royalties will not exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate. In accordance with accounting for discontinued operations, the consolidated financial statements separately reflect the results of PCTEL Secure as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The prior period results have been restated to reflect this accounting treatment.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Operations	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 year-end exchange rate for assets and liabilities and average monthly rates for revenue and expense accounts. Adjustments resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (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 consolidated statements of operations. Net foreign exchange losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in other income, net were $49, $26, and $31 in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company follows accounting pronouncements for Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tier fair value hierarchy has been established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
	Level 1: inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.
	Level 3: unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Cash equivalents are measured at fair value and investments are recognized at amortized cost in the Company’s financial statements. Accounts receivable and other investments are financial assets with carrying values that approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets. Accounts payable is a financial liability with a carrying value that approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these liabilities.
Cash and Cash equivalents	Cash and Cash equivalents
	At December 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents included bank balances and investments with original maturities less than 90 days. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s cash equivalents were invested in highly liquid AAA rated money market funds that are required to comply with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such funds utilize the amortized cost method of accounting, seek to maintain a constant $1.00 per share price, and are redeemable upon demand. The Company restricts its investments in AAA money market funds to those invested 100% in either short-term U.S. Government Agency securities or bank repurchase agreements collateralized by these same securities. The fair values of these money market funds are established through quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs). The cash in the Company’s U.S. banks is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the insurable amount of $250.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had $19.7 million in cash and $0.7 million in cash equivalents and at December 31, 2013, the Company had $19.7 million in cash and $2.1 million in cash equivalents. The Company had $0.5 million and $1.0 million of cash and cash equivalents in foreign bank accounts at December 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has no intentions of repatriating the cash in its foreign bank accounts. If the Company decides to repatriate the cash in the foreign bank accounts, it may experience difficulty in doing so in a timely manner. The Company may also be exposed to foreign currency fluctuations and taxes if it repatriates these funds. The Company’s cash in its foreign bank accounts is not insured.
Investments	Investments
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s short-term investments consisted of pre-refunded municipal bonds, U.S. government agency bonds, AA or higher rated corporate bonds and certificates of deposit, all classified as held-to-maturity. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s short-term investments also included mutual funds classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had invested $13.5 million in U.S. government agency bonds, $11.8 million in certificates of deposit, $7.2 million in AA rated or higher corporate bond funds, $5.2 million in pre-refunded municipal bonds and taxable bond funds, and $2.0 million in mutual funds. The income and principal from the pre-refunded municipal bonds is secured by an irrevocable trust of U.S. Treasury securities. The bonds have original maturities greater than 90 days and mature in 2015. The Company’s bonds are recorded at the purchase price and carried at amortized cost. The net unrealized gains (losses) were approximately $(5) and $15 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Approximately 5% of the Company’s bonds were protected by bond default insurance at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had invested $17.2 million in pre-refunded municipal bonds and taxable bond funds, $7.3 million in AA rated or higher corporate bond funds, $6.3 million in U.S. government agency bonds, and $5.3 million in certificates of deposit.
	The Company categorizes its financial instruments within a fair value hierarchy according to accounting guidance for fair value. The fair value hierarchy is described under the Fair Value of Financial Instruments in Note 1. For the Level 2 investments, the Company uses quoted prices of similar assets in active markets.
	Cash equivalents and Level 1 and Level 2 investments measured at fair value were as follows:
		December 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds and other cash equivalents	$	701		$	0		$	0	$	701		$	2,056	$	0	$	0	$	2,056
	Investments:
	US government agency bonds		0			13,502			0		13,502			0		6,291		0		6,291
	Certificates of deposit		11,782			0			0		11,782			5,360		0		0		5,360
	Corporate bonds		0			7,155			0		7,155			0		7,269		0		7,269
	Pre-refunded municipal bonds		0			5,162			0		5,162			0		17,200		0		17,200
	Mutual funds		1,971			0			0		1,971			0		0		0		0
	Total	$	14,454		$	25,819		$	0	$	40,273		$	7,416	$	30,760	$	0	$	38,176
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amount with standard net terms for most customers that range between 30 and 60 days. The Company extends credit to its customers based on an evaluation of a company’s financial condition and collateral is generally not required. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. The allowance is based on the Company’s assessment of known delinquent accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence of the collectability and the aging of accounts receivable. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The provision for doubtful accounts is included in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and include material, labor and overhead costs using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of costing. Inventories as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were composed of raw materials, sub-assemblies, finished goods and work-in-process. The Company had consigned inventory of $0.8 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company records allowances to reduce the value of inventory to the lower of cost or market, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. Reserves for excess inventory are calculated based on our estimate of inventory in excess of normal and planned usage. Obsolete reserves are based on our identification of inventory where carrying value is above net realizable value. The allowance for inventory losses was $1.8 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	10,160		$	9,241
	Work in process		915			716
	Finished goods		5,283			4,578
	Inventories, net	$	16,358		$	14,535
Prepaid and other current assets	Prepaid and other current assets
	Prepaid assets are stated at cost and are amortized over the useful lives (up to one year) of the assets.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company depreciates computers over three to five years, office equipment, manufacturing and test equipment and motor vehicles over five years, furniture and fixtures over seven years, and buildings over 30 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the corresponding lease term or useful life. Depreciation expense and gains and losses on the disposal of property and equipment are included in cost of sales and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Building	$	6,229		$	6,207
	Computers and office equipment		10,435			9,818
	Manufacturing and test equipment		11,880			10,415
	Furniture and fixtures		1,214			1,204
	Leasehold improvements		909			837
	Motor vehicles		117			117
	Total property and equipment		30,784			28,598
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(17,712	)		(15,397	)
	Land		1,770			1,770
	Property and equipment, net	$	14,842		$	14,971
	Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $2.8 million, $2.7 million, and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Amortization for capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. See Note 8 for information related to capital leases.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company sells antennas, site solutions, and scanning receiver products, and provides network engineering services. The Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company recognizes revenue for sales of its products when title transfers, which is predominantly upon shipment from its factory. For products shipped on consignment, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery from the consignment location. The Company allows its major antenna product distributors to return product under specified terms and conditions and accrues for product returns. The Company recognizes revenue for its network engineering services under the completed performance method. Most services occur in one week or less, and revenue is generally recognized when the engineering reports are completed and issued to the customer.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs
	The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. To date, the Company has expensed all software development costs related to research and development because the costs incurred subsequent to the products reaching technological feasibility were not significant.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising expense was $175, $166, and $150 in each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets, which are not likely to be realized. On a regular basis, management evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance.
	Deferred tax assets arise when the Company recognizes charges or expenses in the financial statements that will not be allowed as income tax deductions until future periods. The deferred tax assets also include unused tax net operating losses and tax credits that the Company is allowed to carry forward to future years. Accounting rules permit the Company to carry the deferred tax assets on the balance sheet at full value as long as it is more likely than not the deductions, losses, or credits will be used in the future. A valuation allowance must be recorded against a deferred tax asset if this test cannot be met.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Sales and Value Added Taxes	Sales and Value Added Taxes
	Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Shipping and handling costs	Shipping and handling costs
	Shipping and handling costs are included on a gross basis in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The Company performs an annual impairment test of goodwill as of the end of the first month of the fiscal fourth quarter (October 31st), or at an interim date if an event occurs or if circumstances change that would indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred. In performing the annual impairment test, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. If the qualitative assessment is indicative of possible impairment, then a two-step quantitative fair value assessment is performed at the reporting unit level. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, then goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step is performed if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared against the carrying value of goodwill to determine the amount of impairment.
	The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective because it requires the use of estimates and assumptions in determining a reporting unit’s fair value. The Company calculates the fair value of each reporting unit by using a blended analysis of the present value of future discounted cash flows and the market approach of valuation. The discounted cash flow method requires the Company to use estimates and judgments about the future cash flows of the reporting units. Although the Company bases cash flow forecasts on assumptions that are consistent with plans and estimates the Company uses to manage the underlying reporting units, there is significant judgment in determining the cash flows attributable to these reporting units, including markets and market share, sales volumes and mix, research and development expenses, tax rates, capital spending, discount rate and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts are based on reporting unit operating plans for the early years and business projections in later years. The market approach is based on a comparison of the Company to comparable publicly traded firms in similar lines of business. This method requires the Company to use estimates and judgments when determining comparable companies. The Company assesses such factors as size, growth, profitability, risk and return on investment. The Company believes the accounting estimate related to the valuation of goodwill is a critical accounting estimate because it requires us to make assumptions that are highly uncertain about the future cash flows of the reporting units. Changes in these estimates can have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
	While the use of historical results and future projections can result in different valuations for a business, it is a generally accepted valuation practice to apply more than one valuation technique to establish a range of values for a business. Since each technique relies on different inputs and assumptions, it is unlikely that each technique would yield the same results. However, it is expected that the different techniques would establish a reasonable range. In determining the fair value, the Company weighs the two methods equally because it believes both methods have an equal probability of providing an appropriate fair value.
	As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively the Company performed a qualitative analysis of goodwill and concluded that there was no triggering event that would necessitate a two-step goodwill impairment test.
	The Company recognized goodwill of $12.5 million with the acquisition of assets from TelWorx in July 2012. Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition was primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the Company’s acquisition of the business and the assembled workforce of the acquired business. During the fourth quarter 2012, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of this $12.5 million based on the results from the annual test of goodwill impairment. Specifically, the projected 2013 base revenue declined 17% from the projections utilized in the purchase accounting fair value of the TelWorx assets at the acquisition date. The projected revenue, anticipated margins, and future cash flows of the business were significantly lower at the annual goodwill test date than at the acquisition date. The Company considered this revenue decline at the annual goodwill test date to be an indicator of goodwill impairment requiring the performance of the two-step quantitative fair value assessment, which resulted in a net present value of future cash flows that did not support a goodwill carrying value for this reporting unit.
Long-lived and Definite-Lived Intangible assets	Long-lived and Definite-Lived Intangible assets
	The Company reviews definite-lived intangible assets, investments and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from the Company’s goodwill analysis in that a definite-lived intangible asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. The estimate of long-term undiscounted cash flows includes long-term forecasts of revenue growth, gross margins, and operating expenses. All of these items require significant judgment and assumptions. An impairment loss may exist when the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than the carrying amount.
	The Company had no assets for continuing operations measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table presents assets for continuing operations measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2012:
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Loss
	Intangible assets - RF Solutions	$	0		$	0		$	161	$	0
	Intangible assets - Connected Solutions	$	0		$	0		$	0	($	12,550	)
	Total	$	0		$	0		$	161	($	12,550	)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, which requires management to assess if there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for each annual and interim period. If conditions or events give rise to substantial doubt, disclosures are required. The new accounting standard is effective as of December 31, 2016, and the Company does not expect it to have an impact on its financial statement disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 was issued to clarify that a performance target in a share-based payment that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be accounted for as a performance condition under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. As a result, the target is not reflected in the estimation of the award’s grant date fair value. Compensation cost would be recognized over the required service period, if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations - that is, a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. Additionally, the ASU requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. This update is effective in the first quarter of 2015. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si2

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments	The Company’s cash and investments consist of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Cash	$	19,731		$	19,734
	Cash equivalents		701			2,056
	Short-term investments		39,577			36,105
		$	60,009		$	57,895
Cash Equivalents and Investments Measured at Fair Value	Cash equivalents and Level 1 and Level 2 investments measured at fair value were as follows:
		December 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds and other cash equivalents	$	701		$	0		$	0	$	701		$	2,056	$	0	$	0	$	2,056
	Investments:
	US government agency bonds		0			13,502			0		13,502			0		6,291		0		6,291
	Certificates of deposit		11,782			0			0		11,782			5,360		0		0		5,360
	Corporate bonds		0			7,155			0		7,155			0		7,269		0		7,269
	Pre-refunded municipal bonds		0			5,162			0		5,162			0		17,200		0		17,200
	Mutual funds		1,971			0			0		1,971			0		0		0		0
	Total	$	14,454		$	25,819		$	0	$	40,273		$	7,416	$	30,760	$	0	$	38,176
Summary of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	10,160		$	9,241
	Work in process		915			716
	Finished goods		5,283			4,578
	Inventories, net	$	16,358		$	14,535
Summary of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Building	$	6,229		$	6,207
	Computers and office equipment		10,435			9,818
	Manufacturing and test equipment		11,880			10,415
	Furniture and fixtures		1,214			1,204
	Leasehold improvements		909			837
	Motor vehicles		117			117
	Total property and equipment		30,784			28,598
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(17,712	)		(15,397	)
	Land		1,770			1,770
	Property and equipment, net	$	14,842		$	14,971
Summary of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Inventory receipts	$	2,471		$	1,489
	Executive deferred compensation		2,043			0
	Payroll, bonuses, and other employee benefits		1,539			3,267
	Deferred revenues		1,262			199
	Paid time off		1,247			1,154
	Employee stock purchase plan		314			292
	Warranties		304			305
	Income and sales taxes		266			159
	Professional fees and contractors		223			584
	Real estate taxes		181			160
	Other		361			194
	Total	$	10,211		$	7,803
Summary of Long-term Liabilities	Long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred rent	$	258		$	278
	Long-term obligations under capital leases		135			0
	Deferred revenues		55			86
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions		0			865
	Executive deferred compensation		0			1,908
		$	448		$	3,137
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	The following table presents assets for continuing operations measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2012:
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Loss
	Intangible assets - RF Solutions	$	0		$	0		$	161	$	0
	Intangible assets - Connected Solutions	$	0		$	0		$	0	($	12,550	)
	Total	$	0		$	0		$	161	($	12,550	)

Earnings_Loss_per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014		2013			2012
	Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	4,612	$	3,342		($	6,672	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations		$	0	($	91	)	($	2,587	)
	Net income (loss)		$	4,612	$	3,251		($	9,259	)
	Denominator:
	Common shares outstanding			18,159		17,797			17,402
	Earnings per common share - basic
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.25	$	0.19		($	0.38	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations		$	0	($	0.01	)	($	0.15	)
	Net income (loss)		$	0.25	$	0.18		($	0.53	)
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share computation:
	Denominator:
	Common shares outstanding			18,159		17,797			17,402
	Restricted shares subject to vesting			139		232			*
	Performance shares subject to vesting			80		97			*
	Common stock option grants			11		58			*
	Total shares			18,389		18,184			17,402
	Earnings per common share - diluted
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.25	$	0.18		($	0.38	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations		$	0	$	0		($	0.15	)
	Net income (loss)		$	0.25	$	0.18		($	0.53	)
	*	As denoted by “*” in the table above, weighted average common stock option grants and restricted shares of 439,000 were excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2012, since their effects are anti-dilutive.

PCTEL_Secure_discontinued_oper1

PCTEL Secure - discontinued operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Operations for Discontinued Operations Included in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations	Summary results of operations for the discontinued operations included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Operating loss	($	191	)	($	3,828	)
	Other income, net		0			41
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0			687
	Adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests		0			(647	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes		(191	)		(3,747	)
	Benefit for income tax		(100	)		(1,160	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	($	91	)	($	2,587	)
	Loss from discontinued operations per common share:
	Basic	($	0.01	)	($	0.15	)
	Diluted	$	0		($	0.15	)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic		17,797			17,402
	Diluted		18,184			17,402

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables) (TelWorx Communications LLC [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member]
Allocation of Purchase Price for Assets from Date of Acquisition	The following is the allocation of the purchase price for the assets acquired from TelWorx at the date of the acquisition.
		Estimated Fair			Provisional			Estimated Fair
		Value July 9, 2012			Adjustments			Value July 9, 2012
		as reported at			Subsequent to
		September 30, 2012			September 30, 2012
	Tangible assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	1,575		($	205	)	$	1,370
	Inventory		1,843			(465	)		1,378
	Prepaid expenses		9			0			9
	Fixed assets		248			0			248
	Total tangible assets		3,675			(670	)		3,005
	Intangible assets:
	Goodwill		9,491			3,059			12,550
	Trade names		1,527			(268	)		1,259
	Technology		458			12			470
	Customer relationships		2,898			(2,781	)		117
	Backlog		91			(58	)		33
	Non-compete		262			(248	)		14
	Total intangible assets		14,727			(284	)		14,443
	Total assets		18,402			(954	)		17,448
	Capital leases		57			(20	)		37
	Accounts payable		1,113			100			1,213
	Accrued liabilities		85			33			118
	Total liabilities		1,255			113			1,368
	Net assets acquired	$	17,147		($	1,067	)	$	16,080
Pro Forma Financial Information for TelWorx	The following unaudited pro forma financial information gives effect to the acquisition of the TelWorx business as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2012. The pro forma financial information for TelWorx was derived from the unaudited historical accounting records of TelWorx.
		2012
	REVENUES	$	96,171
	LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	($	14,919	)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	The summary of other intangible assets, net is as follows:
		December 31,						December 31,
		2014						2013
		Cost		Accumulated		Net Book		Cost		Accumulated		Net Book
				Amortization		Value				Amortization		Value
	Customer contracts and relationships	$	17,381	$	15,933	$	1,448	$	17,381	$	14,386	$	2,995
	Patents and technology		6,781		6,507		274		6,781		6,419		362
	Trademarks and trade names		3,988		3,152		836		3,988		2,864		1,124
	Other		1,998		1,919		79		1,998		1,875		123
		$	30,148	$	27,511	$	2,637	$	30,148	$	25,544	$	4,604
Summary of Assigned Lives and Weighted Average Amortization Periods by Intangible Asset Category	The assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category is summarized below:
	Intangible Assets	Assigned Life		Weighted Average
				Amortization Period
	Customer contracts and relationships		4 to 6 years		5.1
	Patents and technology		1 to 6 years		5.2
	Trademarks and trade names		3 to 8 years		7.4
	Other		1 to 6 years		5.6
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	The Company’s scheduled amortization expense over the next four years is as follows:
	Fiscal Year	Amount
	2015	$	1,737
	2016	$	468
	2017	$	288
	2018	$	144

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Restructuring Charges	The following tables summarize the Company’s restructuring accrual activity:
					Asset
		Severance			Disposals			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1		$	0		$	1
	Restructuring charges		190			66			256
	Payments/Charges		(191	)		(66	)		(257	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0		$	0		$	0

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes	A reconciliation of the expense (benefit) for income taxes at the federal statutory rate compared to the expense (benefit) at the effective tax rate is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate		34	%		34	%		34	%
	State income tax, net of federal benefit		4	%		5	%		5	%
	Tax effect of permanent differences		1	%		1	%		-1	%
	Effective state rate change to deferred tax assets		0	%		4	%		0	%
	Foreign income taxed at different rates		-1	%		0	%		0	%
	Research and development credits		-3	%		-4	%		0	%
	Return to provision adjustments		0	%		1	%		0	%
	Release of FIN 48 liability		-15	%		0	%		0	%
			20	%		41	%		38	%
Components of Loss Before Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes	The domestic and foreign components of the continuing income (loss) before expense (benefit) for income taxes were as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	4,882		$	5,413		($	11,128	)
	Foreign		888			261			367
		$	5,770		$	5,674		($	10,761	)
Summary of Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes	The expense (benefit) for income taxes of continuing operations consisted of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	($	716	)	$	23		$	17
	State		60			56			16
	Foreign		148			88			142
			(508	)		167			175
	Deferred:
	Federal		1,521			1,696			(3,630	)
	State		164			481			(591	)
	Foreign		(19	)		(12	)		(43	)
			1,666			2,165			(4,264	)
	Total	$	1,158		$	2,332		($	4,089	)
Summary of Net Deferred Tax Accounts	The net deferred tax accounts consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred Tax Assets:
	Amortization		8,692			9,213
	Stock compensation		1,798			1,685
	Federal, foreign, and state credits		1,117			977
	Inventory reserves		971			1,018
	Deferred compensation		755			706
	Accrued vacation		446			417
	Net operating loss carryforwards		216			1,230
	Other		258			311
	Gross deferred tax assets		14,253			15,557
	Valuation allowance		(633	)		(640	)
	Net deferred tax asset		13,620			14,917
	Deferred Tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(1,629	)		(1,461	)
	Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	11,991		$	13,456
Classification of Deferred Tax Amounts on Balance Sheet	The classification of deferred tax amounts on the balance sheet is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current:
	Deferred tax assets	$	2,281		$	1,629
	Deferred tax liabilities		0			0
	Current deferred tax assets		2,281			1,629
	Non-current:
	Deferred tax assets		11,339			13,288
	Deferred tax liabilities		(1,629	)		(1,461	)
	Non-current deferred tax assets, net		9,710			11,827
	Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	11,991		$	13,456
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning of period	$	1,539		$	1,480
	Addition related to tax positions in current year		47			59
	Reversals		(779	)		0
	End of period	$	807		$	1,539

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Operating Leases	The future minimum rental payments under these leases at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	989
	2016		845
	2017		690
	2018		662
	2019		545
	Thereafter		83
	Future minimum lease payments	$	3,814
Summary of Capital Leases for Office and Manufacturing Equipment	The Company has capital leases for office and manufacturing equipment. As of December 31, 2014, the equipment had cost, accumulated depreciation, and a net book value as follows:
		Amount
	Cost	$	189
	Accumulated Depreciation		(16	)
	Net Book Value	$	173
Present Value of Net Minimum Lease Payments, Capital Leases	The following table presents future minimum lease payments under capital leases together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments due in each year:
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	44
	2016		44
	2017		44
	2018		34
	2019		23
	Total minimum payments required:		189
	Less amount representing interest:		16
	Present value of net minimum lease payments:	$	173
Changes in Warranty Reserves
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	305		$	270
	Provisions for warranties		124			192
	Consumption of reserves		(125	)		(157	)
	Ending balance	$	304		$	305

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Activity Related to Common Shares Outstanding	The activity related to common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31st is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning of year		18,566			18,515			18,219
	Issuance of common stock on exercise of stock options net of stock swaps		58			91			5
	Issuance of restricted common stock and performance shares, net of cancellations		183			49			348
	Issuance of common stock from purchase of Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares		101			113			104
	Cancellation of stock for withholding tax for vested shares		(121	)		(142	)		(161	)
	Common stock buyback		(216	)		(60	)		0
	End of Year		18,571			18,566			18,515

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of the Reserved Shares of Common Stock for Future Issuance	A summary of the reserved shares of common stock for future issuance are as
	follows:
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	1997 Stock Plan			2,835,151			3,283,103
	2001 Stock Plan			68,810			68,810
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan			770,765			121,373
	Total shares reserved			3,674,726			3,473,286
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense by Type	The stock-based compensation expense by type is as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Service-based awards		$	1,468		$	2,332		$	2,732
	Stock option and employee purchase plans			1,192			883			260
	Performance-based shares and stock options			616			226			0
			$	3,276		$	3,441		$	2,992
Stock-Based Compensation	The stock-based compensation is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Cost of revenues		$	426		$	390		$	378
	Research and development			659			689			585
	Sales and marketing			661			575			544
	General and administrative			1,530			1,786			1,479
	Total continuing operations			3,276			3,440			2,986
	Discontinued operations			0			1			6
	Total		$	3,276		$	3,441		$	2,992
Summary of Stock Option Activity	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31st is as follows:
			2014						2013					2012
			Options			Weighted			Options			Weighted		Options			Weighted
			Outstanding			Average			Outstanding			Average		Outstanding			Average
						Exercise						Exercise					Exercise
						Price						Price					Price
	Beginning of Year			1,461,559		$	8.4			1,099,106		$	9.06		1,411,581		$	9.02
	Options granted			25,800			8.19			698,050			7.23		76,300			6.39
	Options granted from stock option rights			207,236			7.16			0			0		0			0
	Options exercised			(74,463	)		7.46			(164,079	)		7.84		(5,000	)		6.58
	Options forfeited			(10,144	)		7.98			(40,783	)		6.86		(25,992	)		6.3
	Options cancelled/expired			(252,060	)		10.86			(130,735	)		8.85		(357,783	)		8.57
	End of Year			1,357,928		$	7.81			1,461,559		$	8.4		1,099,106		$	9.06
	Exercisable			643,810		$	8.46			759,284		$	9.51		1,037,420		$	9.22
Information About Stock Options Outstanding Under all Stock Plans	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding under all stock option plans:
									Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
	Range of								Number			Weighted		Weighted-			Number		Weighted
	Exercise Prices								Outstanding			Average		Average			Exercisable		Average
												Contractual Life		Exercise Price					Exercise Price
												(Years)
		$5.50			—	$	6			3,525			4.79	$	5.66			3,101	$	5.62
		6.01			—		6.5			17,672			4.23		6.23			10,941		6.23
		6.51			—		7			39,272			3.47		6.85			33,908		6.86
		7.01			—		7.5			840,279			5.26		7.17			178,347		7.18
		7.51			—		8			30,300			4.92		7.81			9,403		7.83
		8.01			—		8.5			35,745			2.74		8.42			27,269		8.46
		8.51			—		9			40,750			2		8.74			33,530		8.74
		9.01			—		9.5			288,835			1.35		9.16			287,210		9.16
		9.51			—		10			20,650			3.4		9.64			19,201		9.64
		10.01			—		11			40,900			1.46		10.64			40,900		10.64
		$5.50			—		$11.00			1,357,928			4.05	$	7.81			643,810	$	8.46
Weighted Average Contractual Life and Intrinsic Value of the Options Outstanding	The weighted average contractual life and intrinsic value at December 31, 2014, was the following:
			Weighted			Intrinsic
			Average			Value
			Contractual
			Life (years)
	Options Outstanding			4.05		$	1,408
	Options Exercisable			2.65		$	376
Fair Value of Date of Grant Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model	The Company calculated the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions at December 31st:
			2014			2013			2012
	Dividend yield			2.3	%		1.7	%		1.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.8	%		0.5	%		0.3	%
	Expected volatility			33	%		45	%		52	%
	Expected life (in years)			5.3			5.8			5.5
Summary of Performance Share Activity	The following summarizes the performance unit activity during the years ended December 31st:
			2014						2013					2012
	Unvested Performance Units		Awards			Weighted			Awards			Weighted		Awards			Weighted
						Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
						Value						Value					Value
	Beginning of Year			0		$	0			147,250		$	7.04		132,906		$	6.48
	Units awarded			380,000			8.47			0			0		169,650			7
	Units vested			0			0			0			0		(4,836	)		6.75
	Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards			0			0			0			0		(139,150	)		6.47
	Units cancelled			0			0			(147,250	)		7.04		(11,320	)		7.01
	End of Year			380,000		$	8.47			0		$	0		147,250		$	7.04
Summary of Retention Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes the retention stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
			2014						2013
	Retention Stock Option Rights		Stock			Weighted			Stock			Weighted
			Options			Average			Options			Average
			Rights			Exercise			Rights			Exercise
						Price						Price
	Beginning of Year			182,500		$	7.16			0		$	0
	Stock option rights granted			24,736			7.16			182,500			7.16
	Stock options granted			(207,236	)		7.16			0			0
	End of Year			0		$	0			182,500		$	0
	Exercisable			0		$	0			0		$	0
Summary of Purchase Plan Activity	The following summarizes the Purchase Plan activity during the years ended December 31st:
			2014						2013					2012
			Shares			Weighted			Shares			Weighted		Shares			Weighted
						Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
						Value at Grant						Value at Grant					Value at Grant
						Date						Date					Date
	Outstanding, beginning of year			0		$	0			0		$	0		0		$	0
	Granted			100,608			1.88			112,965			2.24		104,073			1.89
	Vested			(100,608	)		1.88			(112,965	)		2.24		(104,073	)		1.89
	Outstanding, end of year			0		$	0			0		$	0		0		$	0
Calculation of Fair Value of Each Employee Stock Purchase Grant Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	The Company calculated the fair value of each employee stock purchase grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions:
			Employee Stock
			Purchase Plan
			2014			2013			2012
	Dividend yield			2.2	%		1.7	%		1.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.3	%		0.3	%		0.2	%
	Expected volatility			38	%		51	%		52	%
	Expected life (in years)			0.5			0.5			0.5
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of Service-based Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes service-based restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31st:
			2014						2013					2012
			Shares			Weighted			Shares			Weighted		Shares			Weighted
						Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
						Value						Value					Value
	Unvested Restricted Stock Awards - beginning of year			543,021		$	6.59			940,685		$	6.24		1,122,296		$	5.9
	Shares awarded			182,407			8.19			23,982			8.26		229,950			7.04
	Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards			0			0			0			0		139,150			6.47
	Shares vested			(378,417	)		6.6			(401,713	)		5.87		(474,705	)		5.88
	Shares cancelled			(3,175	)		8.28			(19,933	)		6.68		(76,006	)		6.25
	Unvested Restricted Stock Awards - end of year			343,836		$	7.41			543,021		$	6.59		940,685		$	6.24
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Summary of Service-based Restricted Stock Activity	The following summarizes the service-based restricted stock unit activity during the year ended December 31st:
			2014						2013					2012
	Unvested Restricted Stock Units		Shares			Weighted			Shares			Weighted		Shares			Weighted
						Average Fair						Average Fair					Average Fair
						Value						Value					Value
	Beginning of Year			6,325		$	6.7			11,925		$	6.61		10,150		$	6.28
	Units awarded			1,500			8.77			0			0		5,000			7.04
	Units vested/Shares awarded			(3,225	)		6.56			(4,475	)		6.46		(3,225	)		6.24
	Units cancelled			0			0			(1,125	)		6.77		0			0
	End of Year			4,600		$	7.47			6,325		$	6.7		11,925		$	6.61

Stock_Repurchases_Tables

Stock Repurchases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of Share Repurchases	The following table is a summary of the share repurchases for the years ended December 31st:
	Year	Shares		Amount		Avg price
						per Share
	2013		59,510	$	435	$	7.31
	2014		215,650	$	1,651	$	7.66

Segment_Customer_and_Geographi1

Segment, Customer and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Result of Operations by Segments	The following tables are the segment operating profits and cash flow information for the year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and the segment balance sheet information as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
			Year Ended December 31, 2014
			Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
			Solutions
	REVENUES		$	72,333		$	35,113		($	282	)	$	107,164
	GROSS PROFIT			22,818			20,743			26			43,587
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)		$	7,357		$	7,333		($	10,586	)	$	4,104
	Depreciation		$	1,700		$	795		$	344		$	2,839
	Intangible amortization		$	1,151		$	816		$	0		$	1,967
	Capital expenditures		$	1,173		$	1,328		$	41		$	2,542
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
			Solutions
	REVENUES		$	74,223		$	30,310		($	280	)	$	104,253
	GROSS PROFIT			22,720			19,018			22			41,760
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)		$	6,012		$	7,248		($	12,964	)	$	296
	Depreciation		$	1,785		$	570		$	315		$	2,670
	Intangible amortization		$	1,573		$	827		$	0		$	2,400
	Capital expenditures		$	1,505		$	1,251		$	203		$	2,959
			Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
			Solutions
	REVENUES		$	67,511		$	21,469		($	131	)	$	88,849
	GROSS PROFIT			21,037			14,744			39			35,820
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)		($	6,062	)	$	4,246		($	9,045	)	($	10,861	)
	Depreciation		$	1,630		$	525		$	277		$	2,432
	Intangible amortization		$	1,478		$	881		$	0		$	2,359
	Capital expenditures		$	2,091		$	725		$	565		$	3,381
Assets by Segment	The following tables are the segment operating profits and cash flow information for the year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and the segment balance sheet information as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		As of December 31, 2014
			Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
			Solutions
	Accounts receivable		$	15,947		$	7,927		$	0		$	23,874
	Inventories		$	14,172		$	2,186		$	0		$	16,358
	Long-lived assets:
	Property and equipment, net		$	11,124		$	2,987		$	731		$	14,842
	Goodwill		$	0		$	161		$	0		$	161
	Intangible assets, net		$	1,681		$	956		$	0		$	2,637
	Deferred tax assets, net		$	0		$	0		$	9,710		$	9,710
	Other noncurrent assets		$	0		$	0		$	40		$	40
			As of December 31, 2013
			Connected			RF Solutions			Corporate			Total
			Solutions
	Accounts receivable		$	11,934		$	6,669		$	0		$	18,603
	Inventories		$	12,802		$	1,733		$	0		$	14,535
	Long-lived assets:
	Property and equipment, net		$	11,508		$	2,427		$	1,036		$	14,971
	Goodwill		$	0		$	161		$	0		$	161
	Intangible assets, net		$	2,832		$	1,772		$	0		$	4,604
	Deferred tax assets, net		$	0		$	0		$	11,827		$	11,827
	Other noncurrent assets		$	0		$	0		$	41		$	41
Customer Accounted Revenues	The Company’s revenue to customers outside of the United States, as a percent of total revenues, is as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
	Region		2014			2013			2012
	Europe, Middle East, & Africa			11	%		13	%		13	%
	Asia Pacific			11	%		10	%		10	%
	Other Americas			5	%		6	%		7	%
	Total Foreign sales			27	%		29	%		30	%
	Total Domestic sales			73	%		71	%		70	%
				100	%		100	%		100	%
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Region	The long-lived assets by geographic region are as follows:
			December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	United States		$	26,436		$	30,682		$	36,732
	All Other			954			922			880
			$	27,390		$	31,604		$	37,612

Benefit_Plans_Tables

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Contributions to Retirement Plans	The Company’s contributions to retirement plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	PCTEL, Inc. 401(k) Profit sharing Plan - US employees	$	666	$	584	$	592
	Defined contribution plans - foreign employees		332		259		213
	Total	$	998	$	843	$	805

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited_Table

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
		Quarters Ended,
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2014			2014			2014		2014
	Revenues	$	23,656		$	26,181		$	27,932	$	29,395
	Gross profit		9,582			10,850			11,394		11,761
	Operating income (loss)		(422	)		545			2,096		1,885
	Income (loss) before income taxes		(225	)		879			2,304		2,812
	Net income (loss)	($	146	)	$	545		$	2,218	$	1,995
	Earnings (loss) per Share:
	Basic	($	0.01	)	$	0.03		$	0.12	$	0.11
	Diluted	($	0.01	)	$	0.03		$	0.12	$	0.11
	Weighted Average Shares:
	Basic		18,176			18,165			18,112		18,154
	Diluted		18,176			18,291			18,271		18,412
		Quarters Ended,
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,		December 31,
		2013			2013			2013		2013
	Revenues	$	25,073		$	26,746		$	26,471	$	25,963
	Gross profit		9,593			10,548			10,776		10,843
	Operating income (loss) from continuing operations		(1,310	)		258			928		420
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		3,022			315			1,317		1,020
	Net income from continuing operations		1,951			187			751		453
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations		(86	)		(22	)		0		17
	Net income	$	1,865		$	165		$	751	$	470
	Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
	Basic	$	0.11		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.03
	Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.02
	Earnings (Loss) per Share from Discontinued Operations:
	Basic	$	0		$	0		$	0	$	0
	Diluted	($	0.01	)	$	0		$	0	$	0
	Earnings per Share:
	Basic	$	0.11		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.03
	Diluted	$	0.1		$	0.01		$	0.04	$	0.02
	Weighted Average Shares:
	Basic		17,684			17,790			17,841		17,916
	Diluted		17,911			18,075			18,354		18,508

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si3

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
	Segment	Acquisition		Segment
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	2			2
Number of acquisitions due to product portfolio and expansion		6
Net foreign exchange losses resulting from foreign currency transactions included in other income		$49,000	$26,000	$31,000
Cash and cash equivalents maturities		90 days
Investment of cash equivalents are redeemable upon demand using amortized cost method		$1
Investment in money market funds restricted by investment in short term securities, percentage		100.00%
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Insured amount		250,000
Cash		19,731,000	19,734,000
Cash equivalents		701,000	2,056,000
Cash and cash equivalents in foreign bank		500,000	1,000,000
Short-term investments		39,577,000	36,105,000
Short-term investments, maturities		90 days
Net unrealized gains (losses)		-5,000	15,000
Percentage of investment in bond protected by bond default insurance		5.00%	5.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts		121,000	130,000
Consigned inventory with customers		800,000	1,100,000
Allowance for inventory losses		1,800,000	1,900,000
Depreciation and amortization		2,800,000	2,700,000	2,400,000
Advertising expense		175,000	166,000	150,000
Most likely than not benefit likelihood percentage being realized upon ultimate settlement with taxing authority resulting from sustainability of tax examination		50.00%
Assets for continuing operations measured at non recurring basis		0	0
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired					12,500,000
Goodwill impairment (TelWorx)				12,500,000
Percentage of reduction in revenue due to impairment of goodwill				17.00%		17.00%
Maximum [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Standard term of accounts receivable		60 days
Useful lives of the assets		1 year
Minimum [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Standard term of accounts receivable		30 days
Computer Equipment [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Period over which assets are deprecated		3 years
Equipment [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Period over which assets are deprecated		5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Period over which assets are deprecated		7 years
Building [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Period over which assets are deprecated		30 years
Pctel Secure [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Royalty receivable as percentage of net sale price		7.00%
Pctel Secure [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Maximum royalty rate		10,000,000
Pre-refunded Municipal Bonds [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Short-term investments		5,200,000	17,200,000
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Short-term investments		7,200,000	7,300,000
U.S. Government Agency Bonds [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Short-term investments		13,500,000	6,300,000
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Short-term investments		11,800,000	5,300,000
Mutual Funds [Member]
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Short-term investments		$2,000,000

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si4

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash	$19,731	$19,734
Cash equivalents	701	2,056
Short-term investments	39,577	36,105
Cash and investments	$60,009	$57,895

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si5

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash Equivalents and Investments Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$701	$2,056
Total	40,273	38,176
U.S. Government Agency Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	13,502	6,291
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	11,782	5,360
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	7,155	7,269
Pre-refunded Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	5,162	17,200
Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	1,971	0
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	701	2,056
Total	14,454	7,416
Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government Agency Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	11,782	5,360
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Pre-refunded Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	1,971	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Total	25,819	30,760
Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government Agency Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	13,502	6,291
Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	7,155	7,269
Level 2 [Member] | Pre-refunded Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	5,162	17,200
Level 2 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Total	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Government Agency Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Pre-refunded Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investments	$0	$0

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si6

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$10,160	$9,241
Work in process	915	716
Finished goods	5,283	4,578
Inventories, net	$16,358	$14,535

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si7

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$30,784	$28,598
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-17,712	-15,397
Land	1,770	1,770
Property and equipment, net	14,842	14,971
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	6,229	6,207
Computers and Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	10,435	9,818
Manufacturing and Test Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	11,880	10,415
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	1,214	1,204
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	909	837
Motor Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$117	$117

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si8

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Inventory receipts	$2,471	$1,489
Executive deferred compensation	2,043	0
Payroll, bonuses, and other employee benefits	1,539	3,267
Deferred revenues	1,262	199
Paid time off	1,247	1,154
Employee stock purchase plan	314	292
Warranties	304	305
Income and sales taxes	266	159
Professional fees and contractors	223	584
Real estate taxes	181	160
Other	361	194
Total	$10,211	$7,803

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si9

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Long-term Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred rent	$258	$278
Long-term obligations under capital leases	135	0
Deferred revenues	55	86
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	0	865
Executive deferred compensation	0	1,908
Long Term Liabilities	$448	$3,137

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	($12,550)
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | RF Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Connected Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	-12,550
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | RF Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	0
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Connected Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | RF Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Connected Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	161
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | RF Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	161
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Connected Solutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$0

Earnings_Loss_per_Share_Comput

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations					$453	$751	$187	$1,951	$4,612	$3,342	($6,672)
Net loss from discontinued operations					17	0	-22	-86	0	-91	-2,587
Net income (loss)	$1,995	$2,218	$545	($146)	$470	$751	$165	$1,865	$4,612	$3,251	($9,259)
Denominator:
Common shares outstanding	18,154	18,112	18,165	18,176	17,916	17,841	17,790	17,684	18,159	17,797	17,402
Earnings per common share - basic
Net income (loss) from continuing operations					$0.03	$0.04	$0.01	$0.11	$0.25	$0.19	($0.38)
Net loss from discontinued operations					$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	($0.15)
Net income (loss)	$0.11	$0.12	$0.03	($0.01)	$0.03	$0.04	$0.01	$0.11	$0.25	$0.18	($0.53)
Denominator:
Common shares outstanding	18,154	18,112	18,165	18,176	17,916	17,841	17,790	17,684	18,159	17,797	17,402
Performance shares subject to vesting									139	232
Common stock option grants									11	58
Total shares	18,412	18,271	18,291	18,176	18,508	18,354	18,075	17,911	18,389	18,184	17,402
Earnings per common share - diluted
Net income (loss) from continuing operations					$0.02	$0.04	$0.01	$0.11	$0.25	$0.18	($0.38)
Net loss from discontinued operations					$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0	$0	($0.15)
Net income (loss)	$0.11	$0.12	$0.03	($0.01)	$0.02	$0.04	$0.01	$0.10	$0.25	$0.18	($0.53)
Performance Based Equity Awards [Member]
Denominator:
Performance shares subject to vesting									80	97

Earnings_Loss_per_Share_Comput1

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive shares excluded	439,000

Recovered_Sheet2

PCTEL Secure - Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (Pctel Secure [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Royalty receivable as percentage of net sale price	7.00%
Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum royalty rate	10,000,000

Recovered_Sheet3

PCTEL Secure - Discontinued Operations - Summary of Operations for Discontinued Operations Included in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Operating loss										($191)	($3,828)
Other income, net										0	41
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests										0	687
Adjustments to redemption value of noncontrolling interests										0	-647
Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes										-191	-3,747
Benefit for income tax										-100	-1,160
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax										($91)	($2,587)
Loss from discontinued operations per common share:
Basic					$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	($0.15)
Diluted					$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0	$0	($0.15)
Weighted Average Shares:
Basic	18,154	18,112	18,165	18,176	17,916	17,841	17,790	17,684	18,159	17,797	17,402
Diluted	18,412	18,271	18,291	18,176	18,508	18,354	18,075	17,911	18,389	18,184	17,402

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Pur

Acquisitions - Allocation of Purchase Price for Assets from Date of Acquisition (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 09, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Goodwill	$161	$161
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Accounts receivable			1,370
Purchase price allocation, Inventory			1,378
Purchase price allocation, Prepaid expenses			9
Purchase price allocation, Fixed assets			248
Purchase price allocation, Goodwill			12,550
Purchase price allocation, Total intangible assets			14,443
Purchase price allocation, Assets			17,448
Purchase price allocation, Capital leases			37
Purchase price allocation, Accounts payable			1,213
Purchase price allocation, Accrued liabilities			118
Purchase price allocation, Liabilities			1,368
Purchase price allocation Assets and Liabilities Assumed, Net			16,080
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Tangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Assets			3,005
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			1,259
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			470
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			117
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			33
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Non-compete [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			14
Estimated Fair Value July 9, 2012 as reported at September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Accounts receivable			1,575
Purchase price allocation, Inventory			1,843
Purchase price allocation, Prepaid expenses			9
Purchase price allocation, Fixed assets			248
Purchase price allocation, Goodwill			9,491
Purchase price allocation, Total intangible assets			14,727
Purchase price allocation, Assets			18,402
Purchase price allocation, Capital leases			57
Purchase price allocation, Accounts payable			1,113
Purchase price allocation, Accrued liabilities			85
Purchase price allocation, Liabilities			1,255
Purchase price allocation Assets and Liabilities Assumed, Net			17,147
Estimated Fair Value July 9, 2012 as reported at September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Tangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Assets			3,675
Estimated Fair Value July 9, 2012 as reported at September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			1,527
Estimated Fair Value July 9, 2012 as reported at September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			458
Estimated Fair Value July 9, 2012 as reported at September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			2,898
Estimated Fair Value July 9, 2012 as reported at September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			91
Estimated Fair Value July 9, 2012 as reported at September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Non-compete [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			262
Provisional Adjustments Subsequent to September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Accounts receivable			-205
Purchase price allocation, Inventory			-465
Purchase price allocation, Prepaid expenses			0
Purchase price allocation, Fixed assets			0
Purchase price allocation, Goodwill			3,059
Purchase price allocation, Total intangible assets			-284
Purchase price allocation, Assets			-954
Purchase price allocation, Capital leases			-20
Purchase price allocation, Accounts payable			100
Purchase price allocation, Accrued liabilities			33
Purchase price allocation, Liabilities			113
Purchase price allocation Assets and Liabilities Assumed, Net			-1,067
Provisional Adjustments Subsequent to September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Tangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Assets			-670
Provisional Adjustments Subsequent to September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			-268
Provisional Adjustments Subsequent to September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			12
Provisional Adjustments Subsequent to September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			-2,781
Provisional Adjustments Subsequent to September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			-58
Provisional Adjustments Subsequent to September 30, 2012 [Member] | TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Non-compete [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation, Intangible assets			($248)

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (TelWorx Communications LLC [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition estimated annual sales of acquired entity			$18,500,000
Business acquisition estimated gross profit of acquired entity			3,200,000
Business acquisition estimated revenue gross profit percentage			18.00%
Business acquisition estimated sales funnel conversion to actual sales percentage				50.00%
Business acquisition estimated first quarter sales funnel of acquired entity				7,500,000
Percentage of reduction in project revenue due to impairment of goodwill			17.00%	17.00%
Reduction in total combined earnings	500,000
Reduction in total combined revenue	400,000
Forensic audit dollar coverage percentage of operation's revenue		50.00%
Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition estimated first quarter sales of acquired entity				1,000,000
Backlog And Funnel [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition estimated revenue gross profit percentage				16.00%
After Devaluation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition estimated annual sales of acquired entity				$15,000,000
Business acquisition estimated revenue gross profit percentage				16.00%

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Financi

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Financial Information for TelWorx (Detail) (TelWorx Communications LLC [Member], Pro Forma [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
TelWorx Communications LLC [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
REVENUES	$96,171
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	($14,919)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$161,000	$161,000
Increase (decrease)in goodwill	0
Amortization of intangible assets	1,967,000	2,400,000	2,359,000
Increase (decrease) in cost of intangible assets	-2,000,000
Intangible amortization in 2019 and thereafter	0
RF Solutions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$161,000	$161,000
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets basis over estimated useful lives	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets basis over estimated useful lives	8 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$30,148	$30,148
Accumulated Amortization	27,511	25,544
Net Book Value	2,637	4,604
Customer Contracts and Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	17,381	17,381
Accumulated Amortization	15,933	14,386
Net Book Value	1,448	2,995
Patents and Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	6,781	6,781
Accumulated Amortization	6,507	6,419
Net Book Value	274	362
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	3,988	3,988
Accumulated Amortization	3,152	2,864
Net Book Value	836	1,124
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	1,998	1,998
Accumulated Amortization	1,919	1,875
Net Book Value	$79	$123

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Assigned Lives and Weighted Average Amortization Periods by Intangible Asset Category (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Customer Contracts and Relationships [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Weighted Average Amortization Period	5 years 1 month 6 days
Patents and Technology [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Weighted Average Amortization Period	5 years 2 months 12 days
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Weighted Average Amortization Period	7 years 4 months 24 days
Other [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Weighted Average Amortization Period	5 years 7 months 6 days
Minimum [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Customer Contracts and Relationships [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	4 years
Minimum [Member] | Patents and Technology [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Other [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Contracts and Relationships [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	6 years
Maximum [Member] | Patents and Technology [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	6 years
Maximum [Member] | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Other [Member]
Summary of assigned lives and weighted average amortization periods by intangible asset category
Assigned Life	6 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$1,737
2016	468
2017	288
2018	$144

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense	$0	$256	$157
Restructuring liability	0	0	1
Payment on Severance and payroll benefits		257
2013 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense		300
2012 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense			200
Number of positions eliminated			12
Payment on Severance and payroll benefits			$200

Restructuring_Summary_of_Restr

Restructuring - Summary of Restructuring Charges (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$0	$1
Restructuring charges	0	256	157
Payments/Charges		-257
Ending balance	0	0	1
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance		1
Restructuring charges		190
Payments/Charges		-191
Ending balance		0
Asset Disposals [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance		0
Restructuring charges		66
Payments/Charges		-66
Ending balance		$0

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$1,158,000	$2,332,000	($4,089,000)
Statutory rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Additional paid in capital related to tax benefits for stock compensation	203,000		6,000
Deferred tax assets, write off			43,000
Tax gain on sale of segment, Fair market value adjustment of intangible assets		700,000
Net deferred tax assets	11,991,000	13,456,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation allowances	633,000	640,000
Acquired intangible asset amortization period for tax purpose	15 years
Deferred tax assets, cumulative tax loss	700,000
Deferred tax assets, goodwill and intangible assets impairment	-10,500,000
Deferred tax assets, cumulative loss, number of years	3 years
Domestic deferred tax assets ratable reversal pattern period	15 years
Operating loss carry forward, Expiration period	The carry forward rules allow for up to a 20 year carry forward of net operating losses
Net operating loss carry forward period	20 years
Average period required to utilize future income	26 years
Future income required to realize net deferred tax assets	32,000,000
Average amount required to utilize future income	1,200,000
Recovery period required to realize deferred tax asset	26 years
Potential benefits that would affect the effective rate	800,000
Unrecognized tax benefits expected to settled twelve months	800,000
Period decrease in unrecognized tax benefits related to research credits	12 months
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes expense	0	22,000	16,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest payable	0	86,000
Deferred tax assets, investment in subsidiaries	2,000,000
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
State research credits with no expiration	1,500,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Net deferred tax assets	11,800,000	13,300,000
Operating loss carry forwards expiration year	2032
Operating loss carry forwards expiration year	2033
Operating Loss Carry forwards	1,600,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carry forwards	1,600,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards expiration year	2024
Operating loss carry forwards expiration year	2033
Operating Loss Carry forwards	4,100,000
Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Net deferred tax assets	$200,000	$200,000

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
State income tax, net of federal benefit	4.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Tax effect of permanent differences	1.00%	1.00%	-1.00%
Effective state rate change to deferred tax assets	0.00%	4.00%	0.00%
Foreign income taxed at different rates	-1.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Research and development credits	-3.00%	-4.00%	0.00%
Return to provision adjustments	0.00%	1.00%	0.00%
Release of FIN 48 liability	-15.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Total	20.00%	41.00%	38.00%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Los

Income Taxes - Components of Loss Before Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Domestic									$4,882	$5,413	($11,128)
Foreign									888	261	367
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$2,812	$2,304	$879	($225)	$1,020	$1,317	$315	$3,022	$5,770	$5,674	($10,761)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Expens

Income Taxes - Summary of Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	($716)	$23	$17
State	60	56	16
Foreign	148	88	142
Gross	-508	167	175
Deferred:
Federal	1,521	1,696	-3,630
State	164	481	-591
Foreign	-19	-12	-43
Gross	1,666	2,165	-4,264
Total	$1,158	$2,332	($4,089)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Net_De

Income Taxes - Summary of Net Deferred Tax Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets:
Amortization	$8,692	$9,213
Stock compensation	1,798	1,685
Federal, foreign, and state credits	1,117	977
Inventory reserves	971	1,018
Deferred compensation	755	706
Accrued vacation	446	417
Net operating loss carryforwards	216	1,230
Other	258	311
Gross deferred tax assets	14,253	15,557
Valuation allowance	-633	-640
Net deferred tax asset	13,620	14,917
Deferred Tax liabilities:
Depreciation	-1,629	-1,461
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$11,991	$13,456

Income_Taxes_Classification_of

Income Taxes - Classification of Deferred Tax Amounts on Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current:
Deferred tax assets	$2,281	$1,629
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Current deferred tax assets	2,281	1,629
Non-current:
Deferred tax assets	11,339	13,288
Deferred tax liabilities	-1,629	-1,461
Non-current deferred tax assets, net	9,710	11,827
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$11,991	$13,456

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period	$1,539	$1,480
Addition related to tax positions in current year	47	59
Reversals	-779	0
End of period	$807	$1,539

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$989
2016	845
2017	690
2018	662
2019	545
Thereafter	83
Future minimum lease payments	$3,814

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 10, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 27, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Rent expense under leases	$900,000	$1,000,000	$900,000
Capital lease		0
Allowance for sales returns	100,000	200,000
Warranty reserve	304,000	305,000
Cash payments	4,300,000
Working capital adjustment provisions	1,000,000
Potential contingent consideration earnable under the Original Agreement	1,500,000
Fair value in the form common stock	600,000
Parties agreed to the elimination of the holdback	500,000
Notice period for termination of leaves under option	180 days
Settlement agreement fair value							5,400,000
Settlement agreement remaining consideration						4,300,000
Cash agreed to be paid to company under agreement						3,200,000
Asset purchase agreement contingent consideration						600,000
Asset purchase agreement escrow deposit						500,000
Lease expiration period	5 years
Rental payments	200,000
Other Party [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Acquisition related legal settlements				800,000
Acquisition Related Costs [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Acquisition related legal settlements					100,000
Warranty Reserves [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Warranty reserve	$304,000	$305,000	$270,000
Antenna [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Repair and replacement warranty	2 years
Scanning [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Repair and replacement warranty	3 years

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Capital Leases for Office and Manufacturing Equipment (Detail) (Office and Manufacturing Equipment [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Office and Manufacturing Equipment [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$189
Accumulated Depreciation	-16
Net Book Value	$173

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Present Value of Net Minimum Lease Payments, Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$44
2016	44
2017	44
2018	34
2019	23
Total minimum payments required:	189
Less amount representing interest:	16
Present value of net minimum lease payments:	$173

Commitments_and_Contingencies_5

Commitments and Contingencies - Changes in Warranty Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in warranty reserves
Ending balance	$304	$305
Warranty Reserves [Member]
Changes in warranty reserves
Beginning balance	305	270
Provisions for warranties	124	192
Consumption of reserves	-125	-157
Ending balance	$304	$305

Shareholders_Equity_Summary_of

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Activity Related to Common Shares Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock shares outstanding, Beginning balance	18,566,119	18,515,000	18,219,000
Issuance of common stock on exercise of stock options net of stock swaps	58,000	91,000	5,000
Issuance of restricted common stock and performance shares, net of cancellations	183,000	49,000	348,000
Issuance of common stock from purchase of Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares	101,000	113,000	104,000
Cancellation of stock for withholding tax for vested shares	-121,000	-142,000	-161,000
Common stock buyback	-216,000	-60,000	0
Common stock shares outstanding, End of Year	18,571,419	18,566,119	18,515,000

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares reserved	3,674,726	3,473,286
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding	1,357,928	1,461,559	1,099,106	1,411,581
Period of termination of employment	90 days
1997 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares reserved	2,835,151	3,283,103
1997 Stock Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Ratio of restricted award to available for grant shares stock	1.78
Ratio of stock option to available for grant shares	1
Options outstanding	1,289,118
Shares available for future grants	1,546,033
2001 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares reserved	68,810	68,810
Options outstanding	68,810
Plan exercisable period	10 years
Period of termination of employment	90 days

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of the Reserved Shares of Common Stock for Future Issuance (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares reserved	3,674,726	3,473,286
1997 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares reserved	2,835,151	3,283,103
2001 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares reserved	68,810	68,810
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares reserved	770,765	121,373

StockBased_Compensation_Employ

Stock-Based Compensation - Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense		$3,276	$3,441	$2,992
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of fair market value to determine purchase price		85.00%
Number of shares authorized for issuance, increase	750,000
Shares remaining that can be issued under the Purchase Plan		770,765
Rate of discount on fair market value of common stock under ESPP		15.00%
Stock compensation expense		$200	$300	$200
Period of expected life, options granted		5 years

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$3,276	$3,441	$2,992
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	1,500	2,300	2,700
Stock Option and Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	1,200	900	300
Performance-based Stock Option Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$600	$200

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense by Type (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Total	$3,276	$3,441	$2,992
Service-based awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Total	1,468	2,332	2,732
Performance Units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Total	616	226	0
Employee purchase plans [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Total	$1,192	$883	$260

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$3,276	$3,441	$2,992
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	426	390	378
Research and Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	659	689	585
Sales and Marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	661	575	544
General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	1,530	1,786	1,479
Continuing Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	3,276	3,440	2,986
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$0	$1	$6

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock - Service Based - Additional Information (Detail) (Service Based Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Service Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants vesting period	4 years
Restricted shares vested grant date intrinsic value	$3,200,000	$3,000,000	$3,600,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	$1,300,000
Weighted average period	1 year 9 months 18 days

StockBased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Service-based Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	543,021	940,685	1,122,296
Units awarded, Shares	182,407	23,982	229,950
Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards, Shares	0	0	139,150
Units vested, Shares	-378,417	-401,713	-474,705
Units cancelled, Shares	-3,175	-19,933	-76,006
Ending balance, Shares	343,836	543,021	940,685
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$6.59	$6.24	$5.90
Units awarded, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.19	$8.26	$7.04
Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0	$0	$6.47
Units vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$6.60	$5.87	$5.88
Units cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.28	$6.68	$6.25
Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$7.41	$6.59	$6.24

StockBased_Compensation_Summar3

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Service-based Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Summary Of Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	6,325	11,925	10,150
Units awarded, Units	1,500	0	5,000
Units vested, Units	-3,225	-4,475	-3,225
Units cancelled, Units	0	-1,125	0
Ending balance, Shares	4,600	6,325	11,925
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$6.70	$6.61	$6.28
Units awarded, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.77	$0	$7.04
Units vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$6.56	$6.46	$6.24
Units cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0	$6.77	$0
Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$7.47	$6.70	$6.61

StockBased_Compensation_Restri1

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units - Service Based - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$3,276	$3,441	$2,992
Service Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares vested intrinsic value	27	34	24
Stock compensation expense	21	25	27
Unrecognized compensation expense	$17
Weighted average period	1 year 7 months 6 days

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_1

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Options - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options exercised		58,000	91,000	5,000
Lower range of exercise prices		$5.50
Upper range of exercise prices		$11
Intrinsic value based on share price		$8.66
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock options vesting provisions, description		Employee options contain installment vesting typically over a period of four years
Options vested in remaining period		4 years
Period of termination of employment		90 days
Stock options granted period	10 years	7 years
Proceeds from options exercised		$600,000	$1,300,000	$33,000
Options exercised		74,463	164,079	5,000
Intrinsic value		72,000	252,000	4,000
Lower range of exercise prices		$5.50
Upper range of exercise prices		$11
Period of expected life, options granted		5 years
Weighted average period		1 year 4 months 24 days
Unrecognized compensation expense		$600,000

StockBased_Compensation_Summar4

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Stock Option Activities [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Exercised		-58,000	-91,000	-5,000
Stock Options [Member]
Summary Of Stock Option Activities [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, beginning balance, Shares		1,461,559	1,099,106	1,411,581
Options Outstanding, Granted	207,236	25,800	698,050	76,300
Options granted from stock option rights		207,236	0	0
Options Outstanding, Exercised		-74,463	-164,079	-5,000
Options Outstanding, Expired or cancelled		-10,144	-40,783	-25,992
Options Outstanding, Forfeited		-252,060	-130,735	-357,783
Options Outstanding, ending balance, Shares		1,357,928	1,461,559	1,099,106
Options Exercisable, ending balance, shares		643,810	759,284	1,037,420
Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$8.40	$9.06	$9.02
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted		$8.19	$7.23	$6.39
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options granted from stock option rights		$7.16	$0	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised		$7.46	$7.84	$6.58
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expired or Cancelled		$7.98	$6.86	$6.30
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited		$10.86	$8.85	$8.57
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$7.81	$8.40	$9.06
Options Outstanding, Exercisable at End of Year, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$8.46	$9.51	$9.22

StockBased_Compensation_Inform

Stock-Based Compensation - Information about Stock Options Outstanding Under All Stock Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$5.50
Upper range of exercise prices	$11
Options Outstanding, Number	1,357,928
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.81
Options Exercisable, Number	643,810
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.46
Range One [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$5.50
Upper range of exercise prices	$6
Options Outstanding, Number	3,525
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 9 months 15 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.66
Options Exercisable, Number	3,101
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.62
Range Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$6.01
Upper range of exercise prices	$6.50
Options Outstanding, Number	17,672
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 2 months 23 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.23
Options Exercisable, Number	10,941
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.23
Range Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$6.51
Upper range of exercise prices	$7
Options Outstanding, Number	39,272
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	3 years 5 months 19 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.85
Options Exercisable, Number	33,908
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.86
Range Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$7.01
Upper range of exercise prices	$7.50
Options Outstanding, Number	840,279
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	5 years 3 months 4 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.17
Options Exercisable, Number	178,347
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.18
Range Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$7.51
Upper range of exercise prices	$8
Options Outstanding, Number	30,300
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 11 months 1 day
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.81
Options Exercisable, Number	9,403
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.83
Range Six [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$8.01
Upper range of exercise prices	$8.50
Options Outstanding, Number	35,745
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 8 months 27 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.42
Options Exercisable, Number	27,269
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.46
Range Seven [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$8.51
Upper range of exercise prices	$9
Options Outstanding, Number	40,750
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	2 years
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.74
Options Exercisable, Number	33,530
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.74
Range Eight [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$9.01
Upper range of exercise prices	$9.50
Options Outstanding, Number	288,835
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	1 year 4 months 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.16
Options Exercisable, Number	287,210
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.16
Range Nine [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$9.51
Upper range of exercise prices	$10
Options Outstanding, Number	20,650
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	3 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.64
Options Exercisable, Number	19,201
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.64
Range Ten [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower range of exercise prices	$10.01
Upper range of exercise prices	$11
Options Outstanding, Number	40,900
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)	1 year 5 months 16 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$10.64
Options Exercisable, Number	40,900
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$10.64

StockBased_Compensation_Weight

Stock-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Contractual Life and Intrinsic Value of Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)	4 years 18 days
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)	2 years 7 months 24 days
Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value	$1,408
Options Exercisable Intrinsic Value	$376

StockBased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-Based Compensation - Fair Value of Date of Grant Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Payment Award Stock Options Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Dividend yield	2.30%	1.70%	1.70%
Risk-free interest rate	0.80%	0.50%	0.30%
Expected volatility	33.00%	45.00%	52.00%
Expected life (in years)	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 6 months

StockBased_Compensation_Perfor

Stock-Based Compensation - Performance-based Equity Awards - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$3,276	$3,441	$2,992
2014 LTIP - One-year Revenue Goals [Member] | Performance Based Equity Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$600
Minimum [Member] | 2014 LTIP - One-year Revenue Goals [Member] | Performance Based Equity Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares earned	190,000
Maximum [Member] | 2014 LTIP - One-year Revenue Goals [Member] | Performance Based Equity Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares earned	380,000

StockBased_Compensation_Perfor1

Stock-Based Compensation - Performance Units - Additional Information (Detail) (Performance Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Performance Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units cancelled, Shares	0	-147,250	-11,320
Restricted shares vested intrinsic value			$36

StockBased_Compensation_Summar5

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Performance Share Activity (Detail) (Performance Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Performance Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Shares	0	147,250	132,906
Units awarded, Shares	380,000	0	169,650
Units vested, Shares	0	0	-4,836
Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards, Shares	0	0	-139,150
Units cancelled, Shares	0	-147,250	-11,320
Ending balance, Shares	380,000	0	147,250
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0	$7.04	$6.48
Units awarded, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.47	$0	$7
Units vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0	$0	$6.75
Performance share units converted to restricted stock awards, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0	$0	$6.47
Units cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0	$7.04	$7.01
Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.47	$0	$7.04

StockBased_Compensation_Retent

Stock-Based Compensation - Retention Stock Options - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted	207,236	25,800	698,050	76,300
Executive Officer [Member] | Retention Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted		24,736	182,500		182,500
Weighted average grant date fair value					$2.83
Minimum [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants vesting period		2 years
Maximum [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants vesting period		4 years

StockBased_Compensation_Summar6

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Retention Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Retention Stock Options [Member], Executive Officer [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Retention Stock Options [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Schedule Of Stock Options [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, beginning balance, Shares		182,500	0
Retention Stock Options Granted, shares	182,500	24,736	182,500
Options Outstanding, Retention stock options converted to regular stock options, shares		-207,236	0
Options Outstanding, ending balance, Shares		0	182,500
Retention Stock Options outstanding, Exercisable, Ending balance, shares		0	0
Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$7.16	$0
Retention Stock Options Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$7.16	$7.16
Retention stock rights converted to stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$7.16	$0
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$0	$7.16
Retention Stock Options outstanding, Exercisable, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$0	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Summar7

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Purchase Plan Activity (Detail) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, beginning balance, Shares	0	0	0
Units awarded, Shares	100,608	112,965	104,073
Units vested, Shares	-100,608	-112,965	-104,073
Options Outstanding, ending balance, Shares	0	0	0
Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$0	$0
Shares granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$1.88	$2.24	$1.89
Units vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$1.88	$2.24	$1.89
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$0	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Calcul

Stock-Based Compensation - Calculation of Fair Value of Each Employee Stock Purchase Grant Using the Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Detail) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") [Member]
Calculation of fair value of each employee stock purchase grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
Dividend yield	2.20%	1.70%	1.70%
Risk-free interest rate	0.30%	0.30%	0.20%
Expected volatility	38.00%	51.00%	52.00%
Expected life (in years)	6 months	6 months	6 months

StockBased_Compensation_Board_

Stock-Based Compensation - Board of Director Equity Awards - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issued			24,820
Company's stock at fair value			$152
Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issued	35,555	38,812	21,602
Company's stock at fair value	$277	$307	$132
Director [Member] | Time-based Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants vesting period	3 years

StockBased_Compensation_Employ1

Stock-Based Compensation - Employee Withholding Taxes on Stock Awards - Additional Information (Detail) (Employee Withholding Taxes on Stock Awards [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Withholding Taxes on Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payment of withholding taxes related to stock awards	$1	$1	$1.20

Stock_Repurchases_Additional_I

Stock Repurchases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 13, 2014	Mar. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Share repurchase program, approved amount		$5	$0
Share repurchase program, Percentage of shares repurchased	5.00%

Stock_Repurchases_Summary_of_S

Stock Repurchases - Summary of Shares Repurchases (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Shares	215,650	59,510
Amount	$1,651	$435
Avg price per Share	$7.66	$7.31

Segment_Customer_and_Geographi2

Segment, Customer and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments	2
Number of customers accounted for more than ten percentage of revenue	0	0
Number of customer account receivable	0	0
Sales [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Entity wide revenue major customer, benchmark percentage	10.00%	10.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Entity wide revenue major customer, benchmark percentage	10.00%	10.00%

Segment_Customer_and_Geographi3

Segment, Customer and Geographic Information - Result of Operations by Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Results of operations by segments
REVENUES	$29,395	$27,932	$26,181	$23,656	$25,963	$26,471	$26,746	$25,073	$107,164	$104,253	$88,849
GROSS PROFIT	11,761	11,394	10,850	9,582	10,843	10,776	10,548	9,593	43,587	41,760	35,820
Operating income (loss)	1,885	2,096	545	-422	420	928	258	-1,310	4,104	296	-10,861
Depreciation									2,839	2,670	2,432
Intangible amortization									1,967	2,400	2,359
Capital expenditures									2,542	2,959	3,381
Operating Segments [Member] | Connected Solutions [Member]
Results of operations by segments
REVENUES									72,333	74,223	67,511
GROSS PROFIT									22,818	22,720	21,037
Operating income (loss)									7,357	6,012	-6,062
Depreciation									1,700	1,785	1,630
Intangible amortization									1,151	1,573	1,478
Capital expenditures									1,173	1,505	2,091
Operating Segments [Member] | RF Solutions [Member]
Results of operations by segments
REVENUES									35,113	30,310	21,469
GROSS PROFIT									20,743	19,018	14,744
Operating income (loss)									7,333	7,248	4,246
Depreciation									795	570	525
Intangible amortization									816	827	881
Capital expenditures									1,328	1,251	725
Corporate [Member]
Results of operations by segments
REVENUES									-282	-280	-131
GROSS PROFIT									26	22	39
Operating income (loss)									-10,586	-12,964	-9,045
Depreciation									344	315	277
Intangible amortization									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									$41	$203	$565

Segment_Customer_and_Geographi4

Segment, Customer and Geographic Information - Assets by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Results of operations by segments
Accounts receivable	$23,874	$18,603
Inventories	16,358	14,535
Property and equipment, net	14,842	14,971
Goodwill	161	161
Intangible assets, net	2,637	4,604
Deferred tax assets, net	9,710	11,827
Other noncurrent assets	40	41
RF Solutions [Member]
Results of operations by segments
Goodwill	161	161
Operating Segments [Member] | Connected Solutions [Member]
Results of operations by segments
Accounts receivable	15,947	11,934
Inventories	14,172	12,802
Property and equipment, net	11,124	11,508
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	1,681	2,832
Deferred tax assets, net	0	0
Other noncurrent assets	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | RF Solutions [Member]
Results of operations by segments
Accounts receivable	7,927	6,669
Inventories	2,186	1,733
Property and equipment, net	2,987	2,427
Goodwill	161	161
Intangible assets, net	956	1,772
Deferred tax assets, net	0	0
Other noncurrent assets	0	0
Corporate [Member]
Results of operations by segments
Accounts receivable	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Property and equipment, net	731	1,036
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net	9,710	11,827
Other noncurrent assets	$40	$41

Segment_Customer_and_Geographi5

Segment, Customer and Geographic Information - Customer Accounted Revenues (Detail) (Geographic Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
EMEA [Member] | Sales [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Sales	11.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Asia Pacific [Member] | Sales [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Sales	11.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Other Americas [Member] | Sales [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Sales	5.00%	6.00%	7.00%
Total Foreign Sales [Member] | Sales [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Sales	27.00%	29.00%	30.00%
Total Domestic Sales [Member] | Sales [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Sales	73.00%	71.00%	70.00%

Segment_Customer_and_Geographi6

Segment, Customer and Geographic Information - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Geographic And Business Segment Information [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$27,390	$31,604	$37,612
United States [Member]
Geographic And Business Segment Information [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	26,436	30,682	36,732
All Other [Member]
Geographic And Business Segment Information [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$954	$922	$880

Benefit_Plans_Additional_Infor

Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Assets and Other Receivables [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fund received for insurance company	$1.90
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of salary for contribution in compensation plan	50.00%
Maximum percentage of cash bonuses for contribution in compensation plan	100.00%
Percent of matching cash	4.00%
Value of investment account to fund obligation		2.1
Deferred compensation obligation	$1.90	2
Employee Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of current compensation of employee to contribute in plan		15.00%

Benefit_Plans_Summary_of_Contr

Benefit Plans - Summary of Contributions to Retirement Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
PCTEL, Inc. 401(k) Profit sharing Plan - US employees	$666	$584	$592
Defined contribution plans - foreign employees	332	259	213
Total	$998	$843	$805

Quarterly_Data_Schedule_of_Qua

Quarterly Data - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
REVENUES	$29,395	$27,932	$26,181	$23,656	$25,963	$26,471	$26,746	$25,073	$107,164	$104,253	$88,849
GROSS PROFIT	11,761	11,394	10,850	9,582	10,843	10,776	10,548	9,593	43,587	41,760	35,820
Operating income (loss)	1,885	2,096	545	-422	420	928	258	-1,310	4,104	296	-10,861
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,812	2,304	879	-225	1,020	1,317	315	3,022	5,770	5,674	-10,761
Net income from continuing operations					453	751	187	1,951	4,612	3,342	-6,672
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations					17	0	-22	-86	0	-91	-2,587
Net income (loss)	$1,995	$2,218	$545	($146)	$470	$751	$165	$1,865	$4,612	$3,251	($9,259)
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
Basic					$0.03	$0.04	$0.01	$0.11	$0.25	$0.19	($0.38)
Diluted					$0.02	$0.04	$0.01	$0.11	$0.25	$0.18	($0.38)
Earnings (Loss) per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Basic					$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	($0.15)
Diluted					$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0	$0	($0.15)
Earnings (Loss) per Share:
Basic	$0.11	$0.12	$0.03	($0.01)	$0.03	$0.04	$0.01	$0.11	$0.25	$0.18	($0.53)
Diluted	$0.11	$0.12	$0.03	($0.01)	$0.02	$0.04	$0.01	$0.10	$0.25	$0.18	($0.53)
Weighted Average Shares:
Basic	18,154	18,112	18,165	18,176	17,916	17,841	17,790	17,684	18,159	17,797	17,402
Diluted	18,412	18,271	18,291	18,176	18,508	18,354	18,075	17,911	18,389	18,184	17,402

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Effective date of early termination of lease	Oct-13
Effective date of new lease agreement	1-Aug-13
New lease period	5 years

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$135	$209

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition, acquired entity name	Nexgen Wireless, Inc.
Business acquisition, effective date	27-Feb-15
Asset purchase, date of agreement	27-Feb-15
Term of lease	5 years
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Term of lease		5 years
Area of office space		4,800
Year of lease expiration		2020
Subsequent Event [Member] | Nexgen [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price paid in cash		20.5
Performance based earn out		2
Total potential consideration		22.5
Number of employees retained		160

Recovered_Sheet4

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$130	$222	$132
Charges to Cost and Expenses	48	130	85
Addition (Deduction)	-57	-222	5
Balance at End of Year	121	130	222
Warranty Reserves [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	305	270	249
Charges to Cost and Expenses	124	192	85
Addition (Deduction)	-125	-157	-64
Balance at End of Year	304	305	270
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	640	662	643
Charges to Cost and Expenses	-7	-22	19
Addition (Deduction)	0	0	0
Balance at End of Year	$633	$640	$662