CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 33,919	$ 64,899	$ (79,444)	$ 195,359
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	207
Net income (loss) attributable to Microchip Technology	33,919	64,899	(79,444)	195,566
Unrealized holding (losses) gains, net of tax effect	(404)	2,082	(1,729)	70
Reclassification of realized transactions, net of tax effect	7	(6)	89	(13,965)
Actuarial losses related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax benefit of $742, $0, $3,745, and $0, respectively	(1,525)	0	(8,330)	0
Change in net foreign currency translation adjustment	454	0	(2,569)	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes attributable to Microchip Technology	(1,468)	2,076	(12,539)	(13,895)
Comprehensive income (loss)	32,451	66,975	(91,983)	181,464
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	207
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Microchip Technology	$ 32,451	$ 66,975	$ (91,983)	$ 181,671