| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 13, 2023 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | PC TEL INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001057083 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 13, 2023 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-27115 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0364943 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 471 Brighton Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Bloomingdale |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60108 |
| City Area Code | (630) |
| Local Phone Number | 372-6800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | PCTI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
