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

Stock-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock based compensation	$ 15,008	$ 12,986	$ 9,984
Cost of net revenue [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock based compensation	131	108	85
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock based compensation	9,686	8,258	6,382
Selling, general and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock based compensation	$ 5,191	$ 4,620	$ 3,517