Noncontrolling Interests Change in Parent Ownership (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology stockholders	$ 64,899	$ 93,641	$ 195,566	$ 183,550
Parent [Member]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology stockholders			195,566
Decrease in paid-in capital for purchase of additional interests			(1,610)
Transfers from noncontrolling interest			(1,610)
Change from net income attributable to Microchip Technology stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interest			$ 193,956