Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 17,648	$ 12,328	$ 33,860
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on investments	303	608	533
Reclassification adjustment for a realized loss on investment included in other expense	26	0	0
Income taxes	(117)	(253)	(208)
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes	212	355	325
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	17,860	12,683	34,185
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(10)	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO MICREL, INCORPORATED SHAREHOLDERS	$ 17,860	$ 12,673	$ 34,185