Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario Scenario Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Convertible notes payable Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock Class of Stock Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock Series Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock Issuable Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Preferred Stock Series C Preferred Stock Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Assets [Abstract] Assets: Assets: Assets Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Accounts Receivable Net Current Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $130,000 and $125,000, respectively Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $90,000 and $125,000, respectively Inventory, Net Inventories, net of allowance of $250,000 and $240,000, respectively Inventories, net of allowance of $255,000 and $240,000, respectively Inventory, net Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid expenses and other Assets Current Total current assets Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Other Assets Noncurrent [Abstract] Other assets: Other assets: Equity Method Investments Equity investment in affiliate Investment - equity method Other Intangible Assets, Net Other Intangible assets, net Intangible assets, net Deposits and Other Assets Noncurrent Deposits and other Deposits and other Noncurrent Deposits And Other Assets. Notes and Loans Receivable Net Noncurrent Notes receivable, related party, net Notes receivable, related party, net Notes receivable, net Deferred Finance Costs Net Debt offering costs, net Debt offering costs, net Net Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill, net Net Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Total other assets Assets Segment assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Current liabilities: Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts payable Dividends Payable Current Preferred stock dividends payable Preferred stock dividends payable Short-Term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Line of credit Demand notes payable Outstanding line of credit amount Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses Accrued expenses Accrued commissions Employee Related Liabilities Current Accrued compensation Accrued compensation Deferred Revenue Current Unearned revenue Unearned revenue Notes Payable, Current Notes payable, current portion due (a) Term Note - bank Ending Balance Note payable, current portion due Notes Payable, Related Parties, Current Long term notes payable, related party, current portion due Convertible note payable, related party, current portion due (c) Convertible Note Payable - related party Convertible notes payable related party Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Notes Payable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Long term notes payable Long term notes payable, related party, net of current portion due (b) Acquisition Note Payable Long term note payable, related party, net of current portion due Liabilities Noncurrent Total long term liabilities Total long term liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments and contingencies Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' equity: Preferred Stock Value Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 10,000,000 shares authorized Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 0 and 10,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively Common Stock Value Common stock, par value $0.001; 325,000,000 and 325,000,000 shares authorized and 10,883,280 and 7,134,856 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Common stock, par value $0.001; 325,000,000 and 325,000,000 shares authorized and 10,696,522 and 7,314,513 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital Additional paid-in capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated deficit Accumulated deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) Stockholders' Equity Attributable To Parent Total stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Trade accounts receivable, allowance Trade accounts receivable, allowance Allowance for doubtful accounts Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, par value Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventories, allowance Inventory, allowance Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference Value Preferred stock, liquidation preference Preferred stock, liquidation preference Common Stock, Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Shares, price per share Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues: Sales Revenue Goods Net Product Sales Product Sales Cargo and Freight Revenue Revenue from freight Revenue from freight Cargo and freight revenue Revenues Revenues from external customers Total revenue Total revenue Revenues Cost Of Revenue Cost of revenues Cost of revenues Gross Profit Gross profit Gross profit Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses Operating expenses Selling General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative Research and Development Expense Research and development Research and development Provision For Doubtful Accounts Bad debt Bad debt expense Impairment Of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of intangible, trademark and trade name V-Infinity Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Operating Income Loss Income (loss) from operations Income (loss) from continuing operations Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense) Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income Other income Other income Other income Other Nonoperating Expense Other expense Other expense Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Intangible Assets Gain on sale of technology rights Gain on sale of technology rights Gain on sale of technology rights Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Company share of Net Profit at 11.54% Equity in profit (loss) of unconsolidated affiliate Earnings from equity investment Earnings in equity investment Interest and Debt Expense Interest expense - intrinsic value of convertible debt, amortization of debt offering costs and amortizatin of debt discount Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of beneficial conversion value, warrant related debt discounts and intrinsic value of convertible debt and amortization of debt discount and amortization of debt offering costs Interest and debt expense Interest expense - amortization of debt offering costs and debt discount Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense Nonoperating Income Expense Total other income (expense), net Total other income (expense), net Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) before taxes Loss from continuing operations before taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for taxes Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Consolidated Net (loss) from continuing operations Consolidated Net (loss) from continuing operations Consolidated loss from continuing operations Consolidated Net (loss) from continuing operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax [Abstract] Income (loss) from discontinued operations Profit (loss) from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operation During Phase-Out Period, Net Of Tax (Loss) from discontinued operations (Loss) from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Disposal Of Discontinued Operation, Net Of Tax Gain on sale of Comex Electronics Gain on divestment of Comex Electronics Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Net profit from discontinued operations Net profit (loss) from discontinued operations Net income from discontinued operations Net profit from discontinued operations Income Loss Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Segment profit (loss) Consolidated Net (loss) Consolidated Net income (loss) Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net profit from discontinued operations - noncontrolling interest Less: Net profit from discontinued operations - noncontrolling interest Less: Net profit from discontinued operations - noncontrolling interest Less: Net income from discontinued operations - noncontrolling interest Less: Net profit from discontinued operations - noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Parent Net (loss) - attributable to common stockholders Net (loss) for the period attributable to CUI Global, Inc. Net (loss) for the period attributable to CUI Global, Inc. Net (loss) allocable to common stockholders Net profit (loss) for the period attributable to CUI Global, Inc. Net loss Net (loss) allocable to common stockholders Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share Basic and diluted (loss) per common share from continuing operations Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share Basic and diluted income per common share from discontinued operations - attributable to CUI Global, Inc. Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted (loss) per common share Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding Basic weighted average common and common equivalents shares outstanding Basic weighted average common and common equivalents shares outstanding Weighted average number of shares outstanding Statement Of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive gain (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Foreign currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive gain (loss) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock and Common Stock Issuable Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Deficit Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance Balance Shares, Outstanding Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Share-Based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Warrants and options granted for services and compensation Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options and Warrants Exercised Common stock issued for options and warrants exercised in exchange for cash and accrued compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options and Warrants Exercised Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options and Warrants Exercised Common stock issued for options and warrants exercised in exchange for cash and accrued compensation Total value of stock issued as a result of the exercise of stock options or warrants, including income tax benefits Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Upon Conversion Common stock issued for the conversion of Preferred Stock and accrued preferred stock dividends (in shares) Convertible Preferred Stock Shares Value Issued Upon Conversion Common stock issued for the conversion of Preferred Stock and accrued preferred stock dividends Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-Based Compensation, Net Of Forfeitures Common stock issued for services and compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-Based Compensation, Net Of Forfeitures Common stock issued for services and compensation Stock Issued During Period Shares Royalties Common stock issued for royalties (In shares) Number of shares of stock issued during the period as part of a payment of royalty fees Stock Issued During Period Value Royalties Common stock issued for royalties Value of shares of stock issued during the period as part of a payment of royalty fees Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Splits Fractional Shares that were Rounded Up as a Result of the Reverse-Split Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion Of Convertible Securities Conversion of preferred stock shares and accrued preferred dividends to common stock shares Common stock issued in conjunction with the conversion of debt (in shares) Conversion of preferred stock shares and accrued preferred dividends to common stock shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Common Stock Share Issued Issuance of common stock (in shares) Stock issued during period, shares, new issues Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Equity Issuance Or Sale Of Parent Equity Interest Noncontrolling interest divestment of Comex Electronics Ltd. Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less Non-controlling interest Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Technology rights Technology Rights Patents [Member] Patents, net Patents Computer Software Intangible Asset [Member] Website development Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other intangible assets Other intangible assets Trademarks and Tradenames V Infinity [Member] Trademarks And Tradenames V Infinity Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Share Based Compensation and Other Noncash Services Stock, options, warrants and notes issued for compensation and services Stock based compensation The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration and noncash equity-based remunerations for services rendered. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Provision For Inventory Reserves Inventory reserve Inventory reserve Provision for Inventory Reserves Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Assets Loss on disposal of assets Loss on disposal of assets Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net profit - noncontrolling interest in discontinued operations Net profit - noncontrolling interest in discontinued operations Net income - noncontrolling interest in discontinued operations Impairment Of Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived Impairment charges Impairment Impairment of intangible, trademark and trade name V-Infinity Depreciation Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Of Intangible Assets Amortization of technology rights Amortization Amortization of intangible assets Increase Decrease In Operating Assets [Abstract] (Increase) decrease in assets: (Increase) decrease in assets: Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable Trade accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Inventories Inventory Inventory Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase Decrease In Deposits and Other Assets Deposits and other assets The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of deposits issued to vendors and service providers and the increase (decrease) of other assets. Deposits and other assets Increase Decrease In Operating Liabilities [Abstract] Increase (decrease) in liabilities: Increase (decrease) in liabilities: Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accounts payable Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Employee Related Liabilities Accrued compensation Accrued compensation Increase Decrease In Deferred Revenue Unearned revenue Unearned revenue Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) CONTINUING OPERATING ACTIVITIES NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) CONTINUING OPERATING ACTIVITIES Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations NET CASH PROVIDED BY DISCONTINUED OPERATING ACTIVITIES NET CASH PROVIDED BY DISCONTINUED OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments To Acquire Intangible Assets Cash paid to acquire intangible assets Investment in intangible assets Investment in intangible assets Proceeds From Collection Of Notes Receivable Proceeds from Notes receivable Proceeds from Notes receivable Proceeds From Sale Of Intangible Assets Proceeds from sale of intangible assets Proceeds from sales of technology rights Payments To Acquire Property Plant and Equipment Purchase of property and equipment Purchase of property and equipment Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) CONTINUING INVESTING ACTIVITIES NET CASH(USED IN) CONTINUING INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations NET CASH PROVIDED BY DISCONTINUED INVESTING ACTIVITIES NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) DISCONTINUED INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Payments to demand notes payable, net of proceeds Proceeds from (payments to) demand notes payable, net of debt offering costs Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short Term Bank Loans And Notes Payable Proceeds From Repayments Of Notes and Loans Payable Payments on notes and loans payable, net of proceeds Payments to notes and loans payable, net of proceeds. Payments to notes and loans payable, net of proceeds Proceeds From Payments To Convertible Notes Payable Related Party Payments on notes and loans payable, related party This concept refers to proceeds from (payments to) convertible notes payable, related party. Proceeds from (payments to) convertible notes payable, related party Payments Of Convertible Notes Payable Related Party Payments to convertible notes payable, related party Payments of Convertible Notes Payable Related Party Payments on notes and loans payable, related party Proceeds From Issuance Or Sale Of Equity Proceeds from sales of common stock, and exercise of warrants and options, net of offering costs Proceeds from sales of common stock, and exercise of warrants and options, net of offering costs Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) CONTINUING FINANCING ACTIVITIES NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) CONTINUING FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Discontinued Operations NET CASH (USED IN) DISCONTINUED FINANCING ACTIVITIES NET CASH (USED IN) DISCONTINUED FINANCING ACTIVITIES Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash and Cash Equivalents EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH Cash and Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Income taxes paid Interest Paid Interest paid Interest paid