MaxLinear, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies-Additional Details (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2012 patent	Jul. 17, 2012 patent	Jan. 31, 2010	May 31, 2009	Oct. 16, 2013 patent	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Number Of Lease				2
Operating Leases, Rent Expense						$ 1.4	$ 1.2	$ 1.0
Number Of Patents In Connection With Patent Infringement Matters		19
Number Of Patents In Connection With Patent Infringement Matters	3				5
Litigation Settlement, Amount							1.25
Reduction Of Penalties Fines							0.9
Export Compliance Matter Expenses							$ 0.3
Commencing Date Of Lease Agreement Date						Mar. 27, 2014
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract			5 years 0 months 0 days			5 years 6 months 0 days
Additional Lease Term Period			5 years 0 months 0 days
Lease Agreements One [Member]
Lease Expiration Date				Jan. 22, 2014
Commencing Date Of Lease Agreement Date				Jun. 01, 2009
Lease Agreements Two [Member]
Lease Expiration Date				Mar. 31, 2014
Commencing Date Of Lease Agreement Date				Sep. 01, 2009
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract				3 years 0 months 0 days