CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY (Schedule of Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss)) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Operating expenses:      
Research and development, net $ (9,158) $ (11,627) $ (8,881)
Selling and marketing (10,843) (9,488) (9,174)
General and administrative (13,861) (12,143) (12,244)
Net (loss)/income from operations 5,228 (10,874) (5,706)
Other income:      
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary 1,319 6 1,472
Others, net 887 369 169
Net(loss)/income before income taxes and equity in (loss)/gain of an equity investee 7,122 (9,429) (3,850)
Income tax expense (823) (692) (210)
Net (Loss)/income attributable to Vimicro International Corporation 4,697 (8,418) (619)
Net(loss)/income 9,851 (8,749) (7,256)
Other comprehensive income/(loss):      
Deferred income received from disposal of a subsidiary (1,267)      
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment into earnings due to disposal of a subsidiary, net of taxes       (1,468)
Total other comprehensive loss (1,252) 542 (1,530)
Comprehensive(loss)/income 8,599 (8,207) (8,786)
The company [Member]      
Operating expenses:      
Research and development, net         
Selling and marketing         
General and administrative (745) (1,376) (1,638)
Net (loss)/income from operations (745) (1,376) (1,638)
Other income:      
Interest income 1    1
Interest expense    (5) (12)
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary       1,133
Others, net 168 159 159
Net(loss)/income before income taxes and equity in (loss)/gain of an equity investee (576) (1,222) (357)
Income tax expense       (41)
Net (Loss)/income attributable to Vimicro International Corporation (576) (1,222) (398)
Share of net (loss)/income of subsidiaries 5,273 (7,196) (221)
Net(loss)/income 4,697 (8,418) (619)
Net (loss)/income attributable to ordinary shareholders 4,697 (8,418) (619)
Other comprehensive income/(loss):      
Foreign currency translation adjustment 69 (7) 12
Deferred income received from disposal of a subsidiary (1,267)      
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment into earnings due to disposal of a subsidiary, net of taxes       (1,468)
Total other comprehensive loss (1,198) (7) (1,456)
Comprehensive(loss)/income $ 3,499 $ (8,425) $ (2,075)