CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 107,175	$ 61,211	$ 27,731	$ 256,570
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	207
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology	107,175	61,211	27,731	256,777
Unrealized holding losses, net of tax effect	(254)	(7,481)	(1,983)	(7,411)
Reclassification of realized transactions, net of tax effect	1,433	(89)	1,522	(14,054)
Actuarial losses related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax (provision) benefit of ($2,539), $0, $1,206, and $0, respectively	6,998	0	(1,332)	0
Change in net foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,109)	0	(5,678)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes attributable to Microchip Technology	5,068	(7,570)	(7,471)	(21,465)
Comprehensive income	112,243	53,641	20,260	235,105
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	207
Comprehensive income attributable to Microchip Technology	$ 112,243	$ 53,641	$ 20,260	$ 235,312