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Document And Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jan. 31, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000827054  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --03-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   192,059,479