v3.19.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Nov. 01, 2019
Cover page.    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2019  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 000-30269  
Entity Registrant Name PIXELWORKS, INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001040161  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code OR  
Entity Tax Identification Number 91-1761992  
Entity Address, Address Line One 226 Airport Parkway, Suite 595  
Entity Address, City or Town San Jose  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 95110  
City Area Code 408  
Local Phone Number 200-9200  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share  
Trading Symbol PXLW  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   38,321,611