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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Contributory employee savings plan) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Matching contribution, contributory employee savings plan, amount $ 547mxwl_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAmount $ 506mxwl_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAmount $ 486mxwl_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAmount
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | United States [Member]      
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Company matching contribution percentage 50.00%us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
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= country_US