Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.20.1
Document and Entity Information - $ / shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Apr. 22, 2020
Entity Listings [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name MaxLinear Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001288469  
Entity File Number 001-34666  
Entity Tax Identification Number 14-1896129  
Entity Address, Address Line One 5966 La Place Court, Suite 100,  
Entity Address, City or Town Carlsbad  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 92008  
City Area Code 760  
Local Phone Number 692-0711  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2020  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   72,356,711
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share $ 0.0001  
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member]    
Entity Listings [Line Items]    
Trading Symbol MXL  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock  
Security Exchange Name NYSE