Stock Plans (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) share_based_compensation_plan shares $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation plans (in shares) \| share_based_compensation_plan	2
Stock options granted during the period (in shares) \| shares	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,538	$ 1,203
Bonuses settled in stock
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock compensation expense	500	600
Bonuses settled in stock \| Annual Incentive Bonuses, 2016 Performance Period
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Bonuses earned under plan	1,200
Additional bonuses earned for the performance period	300
Stock options
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	51	82
Restricted stock awards
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 100	(300)
Director restricted stock unit awards
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock unit vesting period (in years)	1 year
Restricted stock unit awards
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 865	$ 736
Restricted stock unit vesting period (in years)	4 years
Number of unrestricted shares of common stock to be received upon vesting \| shares	1
Restricted stock units, granted (in shares) \| shares	969,713	1,035,214
Restricted stock unit awards \| Bonuses settled in stock \| Annual Incentive Bonuses, 2016 Performance Period
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Number shares of fully vested common stock and restricted stock units \| shares	89,730
Restricted stock unit awards \| Market based vesting
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 192	$ 191
Restricted stock unit awards \| Service-based
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 667	$ 533
Restricted stock units, granted (in shares) \| shares	666,713	732,827
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 5.44	$ 5.67
Market condition restricted stock units
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units, granted (in shares) \| shares	303,000	286,495
Market condition restricted stock units \| Performance period one
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock unit vesting period (in years)	1 year
Market condition restricted stock units \| Performance period two
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock unit vesting period (in years)	2 years
Market condition restricted stock units \| Performance period three
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock unit vesting period (in years)	3 years
Performance restricted stock unit awards
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units, granted (in shares) \| shares	303,000	302,387
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 7.20	$ 7.54
Employee stock purchase plan
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 34	$ 82
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.19	$ 2.27
Discount rate from market value on offering date	85.00%
Offering period	6 months
Fully vested common stock \| Bonuses settled in stock \| Annual Incentive Bonuses, 2016 Performance Period
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Number shares of fully vested common stock and restricted stock units \| shares	142,582
Maximum \| Market condition restricted stock units
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Potential vesting percentages	200.00%
Minimum \| Market condition restricted stock units
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Potential vesting percentages	0.00%

Number of active stock based compensation plans.

No definition available.

Name:	mxwl_NumberOfActiveStockBasedCompensationPlans
Namespace Prefix:	mxwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Number of Shares

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mxwl_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsNumberofShares
Namespace Prefix:	mxwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Offering Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mxwl_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOfferingPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	mxwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Stock plans.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mxwl_StockPlansTextualAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	mxwl_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 14.F)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27013229&loc=d3e301413-122809

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (h)(1)(i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 710
-SubTopic 10
-Section 30
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409875&loc=d3e20015-108363

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total fair value of shares issued during the period under a deferred compensation arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualFairValueOfSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying amount of the liability as of the balance sheet date to an individual under a deferred compensation arrangement. This amount may be the result of periodic accruals made over the period of active employment, or reflect termination benefits resulting contractual terms or a death benefit.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 710
-SubTopic 10
-Section 30
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409875&loc=d3e20015-108363

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of shares issued pursuant to the terms of a deferred compensation arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (l)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Purchase price of common stock expressed as a percentage of its fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis=us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardDateAxis=mxwl_AnnualIncentiveBonuses2016PerformancePeriodMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=mxwl_DirectorRSUsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VestingAxis=mxwl_MarketBasedVestingFeatureMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VestingAxis=mxwl_ServiceBasedRestrictedStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=mxwl_MarketConditionRestrictedStockUnitsRSUsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VestingAxis=us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VestingAxis=us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VestingAxis=us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: