Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,561	$ 60,610
Short-term investments	77,131	77,265
Accounts receivable, less allowances: 2012, $1,281; 2011, $1,294	32,958	25,385
Inventories	38,945	36,286
Income taxes receivable	2,205	6,881
Prepaid expenses and other	1,973	2,883
Deferred income taxes	22,902	22,854
Total current assets	207,675	232,164
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS	6,884	6,857
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	60,099	60,884
GOODWILL	6,189
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	8,181
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	9,976	8,657
OTHER ASSETS	1,761	1,413
TOTAL	300,765	309,975
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	18,745	17,096
Deferred income on shipments to distributors	29,469	30,671
Other current liabilities	10,033	9,329
Total current liabilities	58,247	57,096
LONG-TERM INCOME TAXES PAYABLE	6,004	6,450
LONG- TERM DEFFERED INCOME TAXES	908
Total liabilities	65,159	63,546
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)
MICREL, INCORPORATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value - authorized: 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: none
Common stock, no par value - authorized: 250,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2012 - 58,633,519 shares; 2011 - 61,038,507 shares		206
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(748)	(887)
Retained earnings	235,364	247,110
Total Micrel, Incorporated shareholders' equity	234,616	246,429
NON CONTROLLING INTEREST	990
Total shareholders' equity	235,606	246,429
TOTAL	$ 300,765	$ 309,975