v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Nov. 02, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name Pixelworks, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001040161  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   36,606,885