Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jul. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
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	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
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		40,411,149