Note 10 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - Summary of Net Income (Loss) per Share (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Summary of Net Income (Loss) per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) before non-controlling interests (in Dollars)									$ (45,007)	$ 5,801	$ 2,882
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests (in Dollars)									(37)
Net income (loss) attributable to Exar Corporation (in Dollars)	$ (2,914)	$ (6,599)	$ (23,352)	$ (12,105)	$ 147	$ (1,634)	$ 6,482	$ 806	$ (44,970)	$ 5,801	$ 2,882
Shares used in computation of net income (loss) per share:
Basic									47,253,000	47,291,000	45,809,000
Effect of options and awards										1,532,000	667,000
Diluted	47,516	47,119	47,139	47,236	48,778	47,529	49,150	48,085	47,253,000	48,823,000	46,476,000
Net income (loss) per share to common stockholders:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.26)	$ 0.00	$ (0.03)	$ 0.14	$ 0.02	$ (0.95)	$ 0.12	$ 0.06
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.50)	$ (0.26)	$ 0.00	$ (0.03)	$ 0.13	$ 0.02	$ (0.95)	$ 0.12	$ 0.06