Shelf Registration Statement (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 03, 2014
Stock Offering (Textual) [Abstract]
Value of Securities Permitted to be Issued Under Shelf Registration	$ 125

Value of Securities Permitted For Issuance Under Shelf Registration

No definition available.

Name:	mxwl_ValueofSecuritiesPermittedForIssuanceUnderShelfRegistration
Namespace Prefix:	mxwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant