Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Jan. 25, 2013
Class A common stock [Member]
Jan. 25, 2013
Class B common stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Document Type 10-K      
Amendment Flag false      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012      
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY      
Trading Symbol MXL      
Entity Registrant Name MAXLINEAR INC      
Entity Central Index Key 0001288469      
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31      
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No      
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes      
Entity Voluntary Filers No      
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     23,187,879 9,672,781
Entity Public Float   $ 143