Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Schedule of Reclassifications of Recognized Transactions out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ (5,088)	$ (2,457)	$ 10,163	$ (3,535)
Income Tax Expense	11,053	(1,393)	32,890	(17,141)
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology	61,211	86,057	256,777	269,607
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	89	73	14,054	169
Income Tax Expense	0	0	0	(12)
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology	$ 89	$ 73	$ 14,054	$ 157