Note 13 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - Summary of Net Income (Loss) per Share (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Summary of Net Income (Loss) per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Exar Corporation (in Dollars)	$ (23,352)	$ 6,482	$ (35,457)	$ 7,288
Shares used in computation of net income (loss) per share:
Basic	47,139	47,496	47,188	47,151
Effect of options and awards		1,654		1,496
Diluted	47,139	49,150	47,188	48,647
Net income (loss) per share
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.50)	$ 0.14	$ (0.75)	$ 0.15
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.50)	$ 0.13	$ (0.75)	$ 0.15