Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Mar. 27, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ (16,026)	$ (45,007)	$ 5,801
Changes in market value of investments, net of tax:
Changes in unrealized gain (loss) on investments		225	$ (553)
Release of tax provision for unrealized gains		828
Net change in market value of investments		1,053	$ (553)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (16,026)	(43,954)	$ 5,248
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests		(37)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Exar Corporation	$ (16,026)	$ (43,917)	$ 5,248

Changes in market value of investments [abstracts

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount before tax and reclassification adjustments of unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities and unrealized holding gain (loss) related to transfers of securities into the available-for-sale classification and out of the held-to-maturity classification.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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Amount of tax expense (benefit), after reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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