CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income from continuing operations	$ 164,639	$ 323,925	$ 365,325
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	207	3,684
Net income attributable to Microchip Technology	164,639	324,132	369,009
Available-for sale securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains, net of tax effect	(1,558)	(3,241)	33,759
Reclassification of realized transactions, net of tax effect	1,522	(10,948)	(18,694)
Actuarial (losses) gains related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax benefit (provision) of $2,172, ($18), and $76	(5,307)	31	(127)
Change in net foreign currency translation adjustment	(5,678)	0	(5,188)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	(11,021)	(14,158)	9,750
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	866
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Microchip Technology	(11,021)	(14,158)	10,616
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Comprehensive income	153,618	309,767	375,075
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	207	4,550
Comprehensive income attributable to Microchip Technology	$ 153,618	$ 309,974	$ 379,625