Note 4 - Fair Value (Details) - Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Gross realized gains	$ 136	$ 233	$ 518	$ 617
Gross realized losses	(69)	(229)	(477)	(766)
Net realized income (losses)	$ 67	$ 4	$ 41	$ (149)

Name:	exar_NetRealizedGainsLossesOnMarketableSecuritiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	exar_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

This item represents the difference between the gross realized gains and losses realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Additionally, this item would include any losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments in debt and equity securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27357-111563

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the gross profit realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the gross loss realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration