SEGMENT REPORTING (Summary of Group's Revenue for Each Product Class) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
SEGMENT REPORTING [Line Items]      
Revenue $ 100,443 $ 64,525 $ 71,187
Video processor business segment [Member] | PC camera processor [Member]      
SEGMENT REPORTING [Line Items]      
Revenue 14,719 20,401 53,011
Video processor business segment [Member] | Surveillance processor [Member]      
SEGMENT REPORTING [Line Items]      
Revenue 2,186 1,670   
Video processor business segment [Member] | Other products [Member]      
SEGMENT REPORTING [Line Items]      
Revenue    7 424
Operating segment [Member] | Video processor business segment [Member]      
SEGMENT REPORTING [Line Items]      
Revenue 16,905 22,078 53,435
Operating segment [Member] | Video surveillance solutions business segment [Member]      
SEGMENT REPORTING [Line Items]      
Revenue 85,084 43,791 17,760
Intersegment elimination [Member]      
SEGMENT REPORTING [Line Items]      
Revenue $ (1,546) [1] $ (1,344) [2] $ (8) [3]
[1] The intersegment eliminations represented products sold between Vimicro Tianjin and Vimicro China in the year ended December 31, 2014. Video processor business and video surveillance solution business segment revenues have been impacted by intersegment transactions that are eliminated in consolidation.
[2] The intersegment eliminations represented products sold between Vimicro Tianjin and Vimicro China in the year ended December 31, 2013. Video processor business and video surveillance solution business segment revenues have been impacted by intersegment transactions that are eliminated in consolidation.
[3] The intersegment eliminations represented products sold between Vimicro Tianjin and Vimicro China in the year ended December 31, 2012. Video surveillance solution business segment revenues have been impacted by intersegment transactions that are eliminated in consolidation.