Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies [Table] Contingencies [Table] Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Patent Lawsuit Against Universal Remote Control [Member] Patent Lawsuit Against Universal Remote Control [Member] Patent Lawsuit Against Universal Remote Control [Member] Patent Lawsuit Against UEBV and Telenet [Member] Patent Lawsuit Against UEBV and Telenet [Member] Patent Lawsuit Against UEBV and Telenet [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled Litigation [Member] Settled Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Surety Bond [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Design Patents [Member] Design Patents [Member] Design Patents [Member] Utility Patent [Member] Utility Patent [Member] Utility Patent [Member] Contingencies [Line Items] Contingencies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Contingencies [Table] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Estimated litigation costs Litigation Settlement, Expense Number of subsidiaries named in lawsuit Loss Contingency, Number of Subsidiaries Named in Lawsuit Loss Contingency, Number of Subsidiaries Named in Lawsuit Number of customers named in lawsuit Loss Contingency, Number of Customers Named in Lawsuit Loss Contingency, Number of Customers Named in Lawsuit Number of products named in lawsuit Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number of Products Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number of Products Number of patents allegedly infringed upon Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2016 (remaining 3 months) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Net gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange contracts Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Net gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange transactions Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Other income (expense) Other Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Manufacturing Activities Transition [Member] Manufacturing Activities Transition [Member] Manufacturing Activities Transition [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accrued Compensation [Member] Employee-related Liabilities, Current [Member] Employee-related Liabilities, Current [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Guangzhou Factory [Member] Guangzhou Factory [Member] Guangzhou Factory [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring expenses Restructuring Charges Additional restructuring expenses expected to be incurred Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining Unpaid severance costs Restructuring Reserve Consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Period to cease operations (up to) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Period to Cease Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Period to Cease Operations Expected term of completion Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expected Term of Completion Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expected Term of Completion Escrow deposit as percentage of purchase price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Escrow Deposit as Percentage of Purchase Price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Escrow Deposit as Percentage of Purchase Price Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Additions (reductions) to costs and expenses Provision for Doubtful Accounts (Write-offs)/Foreign exchange effects Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-Offs And Effect Of Exchange Rate Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-Offs And Effect Of Exchange Rate Balance at end of period Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Estimates, Judgments and Assumptions Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Executive Vice President [Member] Executive Vice President [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Cost of Goods, Total [Member] Cost of Goods, Total [Member] Accounts Payable [Member] Accounts Payable [Member] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Ownership percentage in third party by executive Related Party Transaction, Ownership Percentage In Affiliated Entity Related party transaction, ownership percentage by affiliated entity Purchases from related party Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Related Parties Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Share Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash provided by (used for) operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for inventory write-downs Inventory Write-down Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and vested restricted stock Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised and Vested Restricted Stock Tax benefit from stock options exercised and vested restricted stock. Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Shares issued for employee benefit plan Shares Issued for Employee Benefit Plan Shares issued for employee benefit plan. Employee and director stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Performance-based warrant stock-based compensation Accretion of performance based stock warrants Accretion of performance based stock warrants [Line Items] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash used for investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of intangible assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Increase in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Deposit received toward sale of Guangzhou factory Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Escrow Deposit Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Escrow Deposit Deconsolidation of Encore Controls LLC Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries Acquisition of net assets of Ecolink Intelligent Technology, Inc., net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash provided by (used for) financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under line of credit Proceeds from Short-term Debt Repayments on line of credit Repayments of Short-term Debt Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Treasury stock purchased Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule Of Revenues From Geographical Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Asia (excluding PRC) [Member] Asia, Excluding The People's Republic of China [Member] Asia, Excluding The People's Republic of China People's Republic of China [Member] CHINA Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] All Other Countries [Member] All Other Countries [Member] All Other Countries [Member] Schedule of Revenues from Geographical Segments [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Total net sales Revenue, Net Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Components of Other Accrued Expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest income (expense), net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Other income (expense), net Income before provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per share attributable to Universal Electronics Inc.: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used in computing earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Universal Electronics Inc. Stockholder's Equity [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Shares issued for employee benefit plan and compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Shares issued for employee benefit plan and compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Purchase of treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchase of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stock options exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock options exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Shares issued to Directors (in shares) Shares Issued To Directors (in shares) Shares Issued To Directors (in shares) Shares issued to Directors Shares Issued To Directors, Value Shares Issued To Directors, Value Employee and director stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Tax benefit from exercise of non-qualified stock options and vested restricted stock Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Performance-based warrant stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Deconsolidation of Encore Controls LLC (Note 19) Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation Ending balance (in shares) Ending balance Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Combinations, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Combination [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Combination, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Ecolink Intelligent Technology, Inc. [Member] Ecolink Intelligent Technology, Inc. [Member] Ecolink Intelligent Technology, Inc. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Business Combination Business Acquisition [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Prepaid expenses and other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Non-interest bearing liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Net tangible assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Net Tangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Net Tangible Assets Finite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Goodwill Goodwill Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Noncontrolling interest in Encore Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Net purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Less: Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Estimated Lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Estimated Lives Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Major Customers [Axis] Major Supplier [Axis] Major Supplier [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Major Supplier [Domain] [Domain] for Major Supplier [Axis] Texas Instrument [Member] Texas Instrument [Member] Texas Instrument Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Purchases from significant supplier Inventory Purchases Inventory Purchases Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, remaining weighted-average life Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax expense (benefit) Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible in next 12 months Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Accrued interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] State Administration of Taxation, China [Member] State Administration of Taxation, China [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] [Line Items] for Income Taxes [Table] Tax refunds Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Income tax incentives Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount Deductible research and development expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount Decrease to the carrying value of deferred tax assets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets, Amount Number of manufacturing facilities receiving tax incentives Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Number of Manufacturing Facilities Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Number of Manufacturing Facilities Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Components Other Inventory, Gross Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventories, net Inventory, Net Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Reserve for Product Warranty Claim Costs Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Supply Commitment [Axis] Supply Commitment [Axis] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Supply Threshold [Member] Supply Commitment [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Common Stock Purchase Warrant [Member] Common Stock Purchase Warrant [Member] Common Stock Purchase Warrant [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Supply threshold level one, amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold Level One, Amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold Level One, Amount Supply threshold level two, amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold Level Two, Amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold Level Two, Amount Supply threshold level three, amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold Level Three, Amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold Level Three, Amount Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period one, supply threshold level one (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One, Supply Threshold Level One Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One, Supply Threshold Level One Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period one, supply threshold level two (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One, Supply Threshold Level Two Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One, Supply Threshold Level Two Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period one, supply threshold level three (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One, Supply Threshold Level Three Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One, Supply Threshold Level Three Maximum potential warrants that will vest, vesting period one (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period two, supply threshold level one (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Two, Supply Threshold Level One Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Two, Supply Threshold Level One Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period two, supply threshold level two (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Two, Supply Threshold Level Two Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Two, Supply Threshold Level Two Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period two, supply threshold level three (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Two, Supply Threshold Level Three Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One, Supply Threshold Level Three Maximum potential warrants that will vest, vesting period two (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Two Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Two Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period three, supply threshold level one (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three, Supply Threshold Level One Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three, Supply Threshold Level One Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period three, supply threshold level two (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three, Supply Threshold Level Two Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three, Supply Threshold Level Two Incremental warrants that will vest, vesting period three, supply threshold level three (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three, Supply Threshold Level Three Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three, Supply Threshold Level Three Maximum potential warrants that will vest, vesting period three (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Three Performance-Based Common Stock Warrants Warrants Disclosure [Text Block] Warrants Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Advertising and marketing Accrued Advertising And Marketing Costs, Current Accrued Advertising and Marketing Costs, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Duties Accrued Duties, Current Accrued duties. Freight and handling fees Accrued Freight and Handling Fees, Current Accrued Freight and Handling Fees, Current Product development Accrued Product Development Costs, Current Accrued Product Development Costs, Current Product warranty claim costs Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Property, plant, and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Sales taxes and VAT Sales and Excise Tax Payable, Current Third-party commissions Accrued Nonemployee Sales Commission, Current Accrued Nonemployee Sales Commission, Current Tooling Unearned Tooling Revenue, Current Unearned Tooling Revenue Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange contracts Unrealized Loss on Foreign Currency Exchange Futures Contracts, Current Unrealized Loss on Foreign Currency Exchange Futures Contracts, Current URC settlement accrual URC Settlement Accrual, Current URC Settlement Accrual, Current Utilities Accrued Utilities, Current Other Other Accrued Expenses, Current Other Accrued Expenses, Current. Total other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Fees Paid [Member] Related Party Fees Paid [Member] Related Party Fees Paid JAP Techno Solutions [Member] JAP Techno Solutions [Member] JAP Techno Solutions [Member] Total fees paid Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Research and Development Expenses [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Employees [Member] Employees [Member] Employees [Member] Outside Directors [Member] Director [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Total stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Shares available for repurchase (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Increase in shares available for repurchase (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Increase in Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Increase in Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Shares repurchased (in shares) Cost of shares repurchased Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Business Combination Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segment and Foreign Operations Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Repurchased Shares of Common Stock Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Other Income (Expense), Net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Other Income (Expense), Net [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Encore Controls LLC [Member] Encore Controls LLC [Member] Encore Controls LLC Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Initial purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash consideration Contingent consideration Acquisition costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquired ownership interest of acquirees' subsidiary Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Aggregate fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Fair value of noncontrolling interest Deconsolidation gain Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount Net sales Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Net loss Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Period of recognition for earnout payments to acquiree (in years) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Annual Payment, Period Of Recognition Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Annual Payment, Period Of Recognition Contingent consideration discount rate Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Increase (decrease) in contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Pro forma information, increase (decrease) in amortization expense, net Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Increase (Decrease) in Amortization Expense Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Increase (Decrease) in Amortization Expense Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Customer [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Comcast Corporation [Member] Comcast Corporation [Member] Comcast Corporation [Member] DIRECTV [Member] DIRECTV [Member] DIRECTV. Revenue and Accounts Receivable, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] US Bank [Member] US Bank [Member] US Bank [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Enson [Member] Enson [Member] Enson Member. Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letter of credit outstanding amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Subsidiary ownership percentage securing facility Line of Credit Facility, Covenants, Subsidiary Ownership Percentage Securing Facility Line of Credit Facility, Covenants, Subsidiary Ownership Percentage Securing Facility Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Commitment fees Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount Amount outstanding under line of credit Line of Credit, Current Interest expense on borrowings Interest Expense, Short-term Borrowings Other Accrued Expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories, Net and Significant Supplier Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Inventories, net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Income tax receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant, and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Intangible assets, net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Long-term restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Line of credit Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued sales discounts, rebates and royalties Accrued Sales Discounts Rebates and Royalties, Current Accrued Sales Discounts Rebates and Royalties, Current Accrued income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other accrued expenses Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Income tax payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,435,769 and 23,176,277 shares issued on September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost, 8,864,299 and 8,824,768 shares on September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Universal Electronics Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Changes in Reserve for Product Warranty Claim Costs Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Accruals for warranties issued during the period Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued Settlements (in cash or in kind) during the period Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Balance at end of period Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Currency Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Currency Exchange Contract One [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward, Contract One [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward, Contract One [Member] Foreign Currency Exchange Contract Two [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward, Contract Two [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward, Contract Two [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] Derivative by Currency Position Held [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Euro Member Countries, Euro [Member] Euro Member Countries, Euro Chinese Yuan Renminbi [Member] China, Yuan Renminbi Brazil, Brazil Real [Member] Brazil, Brazil Real Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional value Derivative, Notional Amount Forward Rate Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate Unrealized gain/(loss) recorded at balance sheet date Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Distribution Rights [Member] Distribution Rights [Member] Patents [Member] Patents [Member] Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Developed and Core Technology [Member] Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-lived intangible assets, fully amortized, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Fully Amortized, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Fully Amortized, Gross Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Change in foreign currency translation adjustment Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Number of Options (in 000's) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised (in shares) Forfeited/canceled/expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Vested and expected to vest at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited/canceled/expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) Vested and expected to vest at end of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and expected to vest at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Number of shares called by warrants (in shares) (up to) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Number of vesting periods Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Vesting Periods Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Vesting Periods Term of successive voting periods (in years) Class of Warrant or Right, Term of Successive Vesting Periods Class of Warrant or Right, Term of Successive Vesting Periods Vesting period one (in years) Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Period One Supply threshold, amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold, Amount Class of Warrant or Right, Supply Threshold, Amount Total vesting period (in years) Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Period Warrants vested (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Vested Class of Warrant or Right, Vested Reduction to net sales Class of Warrant or Right, Contra Revenue Class of Warrant or Right, Contra Revenue Unrecognized fair value of unvested warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Unvested, Unrecognized Fair Value Class of Warrant or Right, Unvested, Unrecognized Fair Value Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Stock options and restricted stock excluded in computation of diluted earning per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Allowance for sales return Allowance for Sales Returns, Net Of Unprocessed Returns Allowance for Sales Returns, Net Of Unprocessed Returns Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Text Block] Shares (in 000's) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested at end of period (in shares) Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Non-vested at beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at end of period (in dollars per share) Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Black Scholes Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Non-vested Restricted Stock Awards Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Components of Accrued Compensation BASIC Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Basic earnings per share attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. (in dollars per share) DILUTED Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis (in shares) Diluted earnings per share attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. (in dollars per share) Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Trade receivables, gross Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for sales returns Allowance for Sales Returns Allowance for sales returns. Net trade receivables Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other Other Receivables, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Schedule of Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventory [Rollforward] Inventory Reserve [Roll Forward] Inventory Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Additions charged to costs and expenses Inventory Valuation Reserve, Period Charge Additions to costs and expenses. Sell through Inventory Valuation Reserve, Adjustments, Sales Inventory Valuation Reserve, Adjustments, Sales Write-off/foreign exchange effects Inventory Valuation Reserve, Write-Offs And Effect Of Exchange Rate Charge to cost of goods sold that represents the reduction of the carrying amount of inventory, generally attributable to obsolescence or market conditions. Balance at end of period Inventory scrapped during production Inventory Scrapped During Production Inventory Scrapped During Production Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Accrued Compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued social insurance Accrued Social Insurance, Current Accrued social insurance current. Accrued salary/wages Accrued Salaries, Current Accrued vacation/holiday Accrued Vacation, Current Accrued bonus Accrued Bonuses, Current Accrued commission Accrued Employee Sales Commission, Current Accrued Employee Sales Commission, Current Accrued medical insurance claims Accrued Insurance, Current Other accrued compensation Other Employee-related Liabilities, Current Total accrued compensation Accrued salaries - 13th month salaries Accrued Salaries, Thirteenth Month Amount, Current Accrued Salaries, Thirteenth Month Amount, Current Schedule of Net Sales to External Customers by Geographic Area Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-lived Assets Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Accrued Compensation Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income (Expense), Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted average fair value of grants (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected life in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Foreign Currency Exchange Contract [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Foreign currency exchange contracts Derivative, Fair Value, Net Schedule Of Long-lived Assets From Geographical Segments [Table] Long-lived Assets from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Total long-lived tangible assets Long-Lived Assets Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2015 Foreign exchange effects Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at September 30, 2016 Fair value (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Fair Value Class of Warrant or Right, Fair Value Price of Universal Electronics Inc. common stock (in dollars per share) Share Price Risk-free interest rate Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected life in years Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] People's Republic of China [Member] South America [Member] South America [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Total cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash [Abstract] Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments,Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives (less than) Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Attributable to Parent Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Attributable to Parent Basic earnings per share attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share attributable to Universal Electronics Inc. (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Significant Customers to Net Sales Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Significant Customers to Accounts Receivable Schedule of Accounts Receivable by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts Receivable by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Purchase Level and Number of Warrants That Will Vest Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions Used Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Futures Contracts Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net and Revenue Concentrations Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Inventories, Net Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventory Inventory Valuation Reserves [Table Text Block] Inventory valuation reserves. Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]