Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 55,484	$ 27,281
Restricted cash	189	291
Short-term investments	56,214	76,349
Accounts receivable, less allowances: 2013, $653; 2012, $812	31,440	27,683
Inventories	41,809	42,256
Income taxes receivable	2,758	4,090
Prepaid expenses and other	2,502	2,355
Deferred income taxes	19,894	19,811
Total current assets	210,290	200,116
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS	4,241	4,159
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	58,386	60,692
GOODWILL	6,076	6,076
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	9,012	7,906
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	626	16
OTHER ASSETS	1,401	2,489
TOTAL	290,032	281,454
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	17,295	21,936
Deferred income on shipments to distributors	28,312	25,768
Other current liabilities	10,555	8,833
Total current liabilities	56,162	56,537
LONG-TERM INCOME TAXES PAYABLE	3,273	2,759
LONG- TERM DEFFERED INCOME TAXES	1,054	1,054
Total liabilities	60,489	60,350
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
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: 2013 - 58,357,687 shares; 2012 - 58,153,665 shares	2,924
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(262)	(532)
Retained earnings	226,881	221,636
Total shareholders' equity	229,543	221,104
TOTAL	$ 290,032	$ 281,454