Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	APPLIED MICRO CIRCUITS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000711065
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		70,257,787
Entity Public Float			$ 241,165
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes