Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Inventory purchased	$ 15.8

Wafer Inventory Purchased From And Research And Development Expenses Incurred With An Affiliate Of One Of The Company's Stockholders.

No definition available.

Name:	mxl_RelatedPartyTransactionsStockholderAffiliate
Namespace Prefix:	mxl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration