| Cover Document - $ / shares | 6 Months Ended | |
| Jun. 30, 2019 | Jul. 18, 2019 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Registrant Name | MaxLinear Inc. | |
| 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/A | |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2019 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | |
| Document Quarterly Report | true | |
| Document Transition Report | false | |
| Amendment Flag | true | |
| Amendment Description | We have amended our 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2019 to correct the registrant's shell company designation to "No" on the cover page. | |
| 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 | 71,220,363 | |
| Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share | $ 0.0001 | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001288469 | |
| NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | ||
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | ||
| Trading Symbol | MXL | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
