Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Schedule of Reclassifications of Recognized Transactions out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ 2,010	$ 16,947
Income Tax Expense	(18,478)	10,895
Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Microchip Technology	(113,363)	130,667
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)	$ (82)	$ 13,959