| Cover | Nov. 08, 2022 | May 04, 2022 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 08, 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 |
