| Cover | Feb. 09, 2022 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 9, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | RealNetworks, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | WA |
| Entity File Number | 001-37745 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 91-1628146 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1501 First Avenue South, Suite 600 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Seattle |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 98134 |
| City Area Code | (206) |
| Local Phone Number | 674-2700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Trading Symbol | RNWK |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001046327 |
| Common Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par Value $0.001 per share |
| Convertible Preferred Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Share Purchase Rights |
