Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Schedule of Changes in the Components of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2015	$ 2,044,654
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology	(15,971)	$ 3,038
Balance at June 30, 2015	2,098,882
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2015	11,076
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2,012)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,959)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology	(15,971)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interest	(276)
Balance at June 30, 2015	(5,171)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2015	14,537
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(2,012)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,959)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology	(15,971)
Balance at June 30, 2015	(1,434)
Minimum pension liability
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2015	13
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology	0
Balance at June 30, 2015	13
Foreign Currency
Changes in the components of AOCI
Balance at March 31, 2015	(3,474)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology	0
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interest	(276)
Balance at June 30, 2015	$ (3,750)