Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the additional amount paid by the entity under the non-prosecution agreement entered into with the DOJ.

No definition available.

Name:	utsi_LossContingenciesAdditionalAmountPaidUnderNonProsecutionAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	utsi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the consent executed to judgment in favor of SEC as a part of the resolution of investigations.

No definition available.

Name:	utsi_LossContingenciesConsentExecutedToJudgmentInFavorOfSECAsPartOfResolutionOfInvestigations
Namespace Prefix:	utsi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of aspects of the DOJ investigation requiring the production of documents from the entity.

No definition available.

Name:	utsi_LossContingenciesNumberOfAspectsOfDOJInvestigationForWhichProductionOfDocumentsRequired
Namespace Prefix:	utsi_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the period of reporting obligations to which the entity agreed to, as a part of the resolution of investigations.

No definition available.

Name:	utsi_LossContingenciesPeriodOfReportingObligationsToWhichEntityAgreedAsPartOfResolutionOfInvestigations
Namespace Prefix:	utsi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the period for which the entity agreed to undertake reporting obligation under the non-prosecution agreement entered into with the DOJ.

No definition available.

Name:	utsi_LossContingenciesReportingObligationsPeriodUnderNonProsecutionAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	utsi_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 2) (Governmental Investigations, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 21, 2009	Dec. 31, 2005 item
Commitments and contingencies
Number of aspects of the DOJ investigation requiring the production of documents			1
Consent executed to judgment in favor of SEC as a part of the resolution of investigations		$ 1.5
Additional amount paid under the non-prosecution agreement entered into with the DOJ	$ 1.5
Period for which the company agreed to undertake reporting obligation under the non-prosecution agreement entered into with the DOJ	3 years
Maximum
Commitments and contingencies
Maximum reporting obligation period		4 years