Noncontrolling Interests Change in Parent Ownership (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology stockholders	$ 86,057	$ 105,401	$ 269,607	$ 283,786
Increase in paid-in capital for purchase of additional interests			448
Parent [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology stockholders			269,607
Increase in paid-in capital for purchase of additional interests			568
Increase in paid-in capital for converted stock options			1,094
Transfers from noncontrolling interest			1,662
Change from net income attributable to Microchip Technology stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interest			$ 271,269