RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Summary of Related Party Balances (Details)) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Related party balances    
Amounts due from related parties: $ 101,686 $ 25,820
Amounts due to related parties 6,612 7,040
Gain or loss on disposal 5,297 1,876
Vimicro Tianshi [Member]    
Related party balances    
Amounts due from related parties:    5,000
Vimicro Qingdao [Member]    
Related party balances    
Amounts due from related parties: 45 77
VMF Consulting Company [Member]    
Related party balances    
Amounts due from related parties: 449 450
Vimicro Wuxi [Member]    
Related party balances    
Amounts due from related parties: 22 33
Amounts due to related parties 1 204
Tianjin SAMC [Member]    
Related party balances    
Amounts due from related parties: 231 885
Zhongtianxin [Member]    
Related party balances    
Amounts due from related parties: 100,938 19,375
Amounts due to related parties $ 6,611 $ 6,836