Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Oct. 31, 2022
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0000846913
Entity Registrant Name	FUEL TECH, INC.
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-33059
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	20-5657551
Entity Address, Address Line One	27601 Bella Vista Parkway
Entity Address, City or Town	Warrenville
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60555-1617
City Area Code	630
Local Phone Number	845-4500
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	FTEK
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,296,297