Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Changes in the Components of AOCI) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2014			$ 1,051
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(5,624)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(84)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology	(8,746)	588	(5,708)	(9,460)
Balance at September 30, 2014	(4,657)		(4,657)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2014			(528)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(405)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(84)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology			(489)
Balance at September 30, 2014	(1,017)		(1,017)
Minimum pension liability
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2014			140
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			0
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology			0
Balance at September 30, 2014	140		140
Foreign Currency
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2014			1,439
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(5,219)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			0
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology			(5,219)
Balance at September 30, 2014	$ (3,780)		$ (3,780)