AVX (AVX) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 05, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AVX Corp	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000859163	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--03-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	168,497,287
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Trading Symbol	'AVX	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$474,027	$486,724
Short-term investments in securities	530,356	560,364
Accounts receivable - trade, net	210,132	200,147
Accounts receivable - affiliates	2,860	1,884
Inventories	566,278	559,074
Income taxes receivable	54,181	15,060
Deferred income taxes	72,906	81,316
Prepaid and other	39,745	40,964
Total current assets	1,950,485	1,945,533
Long-term investments in securities	90,156	15,576
Property and equipment	1,654,737	1,627,664
Accumulated depreciation	-1,403,341	-1,369,400
Property and equipment, net	251,396	258,264
Goodwill	200,804	199,372
Intangible assets, net	70,991	73,832
Deferred income taxes - non-current	64,152	100,915
Other assets	8,954	8,503
Total Assets	2,636,938	2,601,995
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable - trade	61,365	49,104
Accounts payable - affiliates	51,461	66,083
Income taxes payable	4,790	1,434
Deferred income taxes	1,078	1,067
Accrued payroll and benefits	38,616	40,661
Accrued expenses	285,088	172,528
Total current liabilities	442,398	330,877
Pensions	30,910	35,945
Deferred income taxes - non-current	3,772	3,510
Other liabilities	148,235	258,733
Total Liabilities	625,315	629,065
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share: Authorized, 20,000 shares; None issued and outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01 per share: Authorized, 300,000 shares; issued, 176,368 shares; outstanding, 168,633 and 168,562 shares at March 31 and September 30, 2013, respectively	1,764	1,764
Additional paid-in capital	351,214	350,791
Retained earnings	1,750,015	1,723,070
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	7,804	-4,331
Treasury stock, at cost: 7,735 and 7,805 shares at March 31 and September 30, 2013, respectively	-99,174	-98,364
Total Stockholders' Equity	2,011,623	1,972,930
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$2,636,938	$2,601,995

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	176,368,000	176,368,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	168,562,000	168,633,000
Treasury stock, shares	7,806,000	7,735,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$375,785		$360,823		$745,163		$713,977
Cost of sales	304,260		291,898		605,367		576,095
Gross profit	71,525		68,925		139,796		137,882
Selling, general and administrative expenses	30,160		29,670		59,196		59,364
Environmental charge	'		'		'		266,250
Profit (loss) from operations	41,365		39,255		80,600		-187,732
Other income (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest income	1,289		1,844		2,595		3,714
Other, net	-892		-308		-1,350		-299
Income (loss) before income taxes	41,762		40,791		81,845		-184,317
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	12,946		12,754		25,372		-75,570
Net income (loss)	$28,816		$28,037		$56,473		($108,747)
Income (loss) per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	$0.17		$0.17		$0.33		($0.64)
Diluted	$0.17		$0.17		$0.33		($0.64)
Dividends declared per share:	$0.09		$0.08		$0.18		$0.15
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'		'		'		'
Basic	168,587		169,221		168,617		169,374
Diluted	168,737	[1]	169,248	[1]	168,824	[1]	169,374	[1]
[1]	Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,957 shares and 2,963 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,883 and 3,102 for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In addition, 53 shares that would have been dilutive if we had income were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the Company's net loss position for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$28,816	$28,037	$56,473	($108,747)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10,237	11,111	9,560	-8,297
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment	-73	429	711	1,442
Pension liability adjustment	770	616	1,864	839
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	10,934	12,156	12,135	-6,016
Comprehensive income (loss)	$39,750	$40,193	$68,608	($114,763)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$56,473	($108,747)
Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	25,302	21,430
Stock-based compensation expense	797	835
Deferred income taxes	45,159	-36,158
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment	45	86
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-11,808	2,430
Inventories	-3,860	18,798
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	108,893	25,746
Income taxes payable	3,342	-7,468
Other assets	-39,146	-58,875
Other liabilities	-110,550	236,528
Net cash provided by operating activities	74,647	94,605
Investing Activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-12,440	-23,854
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired	-1,600	'
Purchases of investment securities	-375,236	-302,641
Redemptions of investment securities	331,366	349,570
Proceeds from property and equipment dispositions	563	'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-57,347	23,075
Financing Activities:	'	'
Dividends paid	-29,528	-25,424
Purchase of treasury stock	-5,072	-5,512
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,718	'
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements	170	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-30,712	-30,936
Effect of exchange rate on cash	715	-482
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-12,697	86,262
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	486,724	395,284
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$474,027	$481,546

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation:
	Our consolidated financial statements of AVX Corporation and its subsidiaries (“AVX” or the “Company”) include all accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.  We have prepared the accompanying financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial reporting. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals, necessary for the fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, operating results, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the periods presented.  Operating results for the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 due to cyclical and other factors. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
	Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:
	We have identified the accounting policies and estimates that are critical to our business operations and understanding our results of operations.  Those policies and estimates can be found in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”, in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. During the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2013, there were no significant changes to any critical accounting policies or to the methodology used in determining estimates including those related to investment securities, revenue recognition, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, income taxes, and contingencies.
	New Accounting Standards
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, which intended to reduce complexity and costs by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of impairment of indefinite-lived intangibles assets to determine whether it should perform a detailed annual impairment test to support the value of indefinite-lived intangible assets.  The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted.  We adopted the ASU effective April 1, 2013.  The adoption did not have any material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, which is intended to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  Among other things, an entity is required to present, either parenthetically on the face of the financial statements or in the notes thereto, significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items affected by such reclassifications.  The standard is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2012.  We adopted the ASU effective April 1, 2013.  The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements, as the ASU increases disclosure requirements but does not affect the recognition or measurement of amounts in the financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. This topic provides guidance on whether an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or as a separate liability. This topic is for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption allowed. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of the Company’s financial results.
	We have reviewed other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or that no material effect is expected on our consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	2. Earnings Per Share:
	Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of (a) the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and (b) the dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents during the period.  Stock options are the only common stock equivalents currently used in our calculation and are computed using the treasury stock method.
	The table below represents the basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Net income (loss)	$	28,037	$	28,816	$	-108,747	$	56,473
	Computation of Basic EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Basic EPS		169,221		168,587		169,374		168,617
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.17	$	0.17	$	-0.64	$	0.33
	Computation of Diluted EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		169,221		168,587		169,374		168,617
	Effect of stock options		27		150		-		207
	Weighted Average Shares used in computing Diluted EPS (1)		169,248		168,737		169,374		168,824
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	0.17	$	0.17	$	-0.64	$	0.33
	(1) Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,957 shares and 2,963 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,883 and 3,102 for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  In addition, 53 shares that would have been dilutive if we had income were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the Company's net loss position for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable

Trade Accounts Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Trade Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'
Trade Accounts Receivable	'
	3. Trade Accounts Receivable:
		31-Mar-13		30-Sep-13
	Gross Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	221,109	$	232,004
	Less:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		705		389
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit		14,771		15,448
	Sales returns and discounts		5,486		6,035
	Total allowances		20,962		21,872
	Net Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	200,147	$	210,132
	Charges related to allowances for doubtful accounts are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses.  Charges related to stock rotation, ship from stock and debit, sales returns and sales discounts are reported as deductions from revenue.
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	615	$	685	$	720	$	705
	Charges		420		46		523		48
	Applications		-221		-342		-429		-364
	Ending Balance	$	814	$	389	$	814	$	389
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit:
	Beginning Balance	$	14,898	$	15,554	$	14,327	$	14,771
	Charges		7,933		11,017		17,082		21,166
	Applications		-8,358		-11,123		-16,936		-20,489
	Ending Balance	$	14,473	$	15,448	$	14,473	$	15,448
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Sales returns and discounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	5,992	$	4,968	$	7,179	$	5,486
	Charges		837		5,535		3,723		8,660
	Applications		-1,439		-4,493		-5,435		-8,143
	Translation and other		32		25		-45		32
	Ending Balance	$	5,422	$	6,035	$	5,422	$	6,035

Fair_Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	4. Fair Value:
	Fair Value Hierarchy:
	The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
	-	Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
	-	Level 2: Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
	-	Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.
	During the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, there have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between levels within the fair value hierarchy.
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Assets held in the non-qualified deferred	$	7,043	$	7,043	$	-	$	-
	compensation program(1)
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,168		-		1,168		-
	Total	$	8,211	$	7,043	$	1,168	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program(1)	$	7,043	$	7,043	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		2,446		-		2,446		-
	Total	$	9,489	$	7,043	$	2,446	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		30-Sep-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Assets held in the non-qualified deferred	$	7,562	$	7,562	$	-	$	-
	compensation program(1)
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,249		-		1,249		-
	Total	$	8,811	$	7,562	$	1,249	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		30-Sep-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program(1)	$	7,562	$	7,562	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,064		-		1,064		-
	Total	$	8,626	$	7,562	$	1,064	$	-
	(1) The market value of the assets held in the trust for the non-qualified deferred compensation program is included as an asset and as a liability as the trust’s assets are both assets of the Company and also a liability as they are available to general creditors in certain circumstances.
	(2) Foreign currency derivatives in the form of forward contracts are included in prepaid and other and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income.
	Valuation Techniques:
	The following describes valuation techniques used to appropriately value our assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan and derivatives.
	Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan
	Assets valued using Level 1 inputs in the table above represent assets from our non-qualified deferred compensation program. The funds in the non-qualified deferred compensation program are valued based on the number of shares in the funds using a price per share traded in an active market.
	Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, among other factors, we evaluate general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and whether or not we expect to recover the security's entire amortized cost basis. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established.
	Derivatives
	We primarily use forward contracts, with maturities generally less than four months, designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in our forecasted transactions related to purchase commitments and sales, denominated in various currencies. We also use derivatives not designated as hedging instruments to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. These derivatives are used to offset currency changes in the fair value of the hedged assets and liabilities. Fair values for all of our derivative financial instruments are valued by adjusting the market spot rate by forward points, based on the date of the contract. The spot rates and forward points used are an average rate from an actively traded market. At March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, all of our forward contracts are Level 2 measurements.

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities	'
	5. Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities:
	At March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, we classified investments in debt securities and time deposits as held-to-maturity securities.
	Our long-term and short-term investment securities are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities and are carried at amortized cost. We have the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity.  All income generated from the held-to-maturity securities investments are recorded as interest income.
	Investments in held-to-maturity securities, recorded at amortized cost, were as follows:
		31-Mar-13
				Gross		Gross
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	85,788	$	-	$	-69	$	85,719
	Corporate bonds		81,089		213		-4		81,298
	Time deposits		393,487		335		-		393,822
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		15,576		100		-		15,676
		$	575,940	$	648	$	-73	$	576,515
			30-Sep-13
				Gross		Gross
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	74,977	$	-	$	-246	$	74,731
	Corporate bonds		38,799		113		-2		38,910
	Time deposits		416,580		200		-		416,780
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		90,156		28		-78		90,106
		$	620,512	$	341	$	-326	$	620,527
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments at September 30, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  The estimated fair value of these investments are based on valuation inputs that include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker and dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities bids, offers, and reference data, which are Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without call or prepayment penalties.
				Held-to-Maturity
				Amortized		Estimated
				Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less			$	530,356	$	530,421
	Due after one year through five years				90,156		90,106
	Total			$	620,512	$	620,527

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	6. Inventories:
		31-Mar-13		30-Sep-13
	Finished goods	$	119,793	$	102,304
	Work in process		107,641		114,416
	Raw materials and supplies		331,640		349,558
		$	559,074	$	566,278

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	7. Stock-Based Compensation:
	In April 2013, we granted 500 options to employees pursuant to the 2004 Stock Option Plan described in Note 10, “Stock Based Compensation”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.  The weighted average grant date fair value per share and the weighted average exercise price per share for these options are $2.15 and $11.25, respectively.
	In August 2013, we granted 75 options to directors pursuant to the 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan described in Note 10, “Stock Based Compensation”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.  The weighted average grant date fair value per share and the weighted average exercise price per share for these options are $2.91 and $13.14, respectively.
	There were 335 stock options exercised during the six months ended September 30, 2013 with a total intrinsic value of $491.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	8. Commitments and Contingencies:
	We have been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), state governmental agencies, or other private parties as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or equivalent state or local laws for clean-up and response costs associated with certain sites at which remediation is required with respect to prior contamination.  Because CERCLA has generally been construed to authorize joint and several liability, the EPA could seek to recover all clean-up costs from any one of the PRPs at a site despite the involvement of other PRPs.  At certain sites, financially responsible PRPs other than AVX also are, or have been, involved in site investigation and clean-up activities.  We believe that liability resulting from these sites will be apportioned between AVX and other PRPs.
	To resolve our liability at the sites at which the Company has been named a PRP, we have entered into various administrative orders and consent decrees with federal and state regulatory agencies governing the timing and nature of investigation and remediation.  As is customary, the orders and decrees regarding sites where the PRPs are not themselves implementing the chosen remedy contain provisions allowing the EPA to reopen the agreement and seek additional amounts from settling PRPs in the event that certain contingencies occur, such as the discovery of significant new information about site conditions.
	In 1991, in connection with a consent decree finally approved in 1992 (“1992 Consent Decree”), we paid $66,000, plus interest, toward the environmental conditions at, and remediation of, New Bedford Harbor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“the harbor”) in a settlement with the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (sometimes the “Governments”), subject to reopener provisions, including a reopener if certain remediation costs for the site exceed $130,500.
	On April 18, 2012, the EPA issued to the Company a Unilateral Administrative Order (“UAO”) directing the Company to perform the Remedial Design, the Remedial Action, and Operation and Maintenance as set forth in the UAO, for the harbor clean-up, pursuant to the reopener provisions.  The original effective date set forth in the UAO was June 18, 2012 (and subsequently extended to January 2, 2014), pursuant to which the Company had to inform the EPA if it intended to comply with the UAO.
	On October 10, 2012, the EPA, the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and AVX announced that they had reached a settlement with respect to the EPA’s ongoing clean-up of the harbor.  That agreement is set forth in a Supplemental Consent Decree (“Supplemental CD”) that modifies certain provisions of the 1992 Consent Decree, including elimination of the Governments’ right to invoke any clean-up reopener provisions in the future.  Under the terms of the settlement, AVX will pay $366,250, plus interest computed from August 1, 2012, in three installments over a two-year period for use by the EPA and the Commonwealth to complete the clean-up of the harbor.  In addition, the settlement requires EPA to withdraw the UAO.
	The United States District Court (the “Court”) approved the settlement and entered the Supplemental CD on September 19, 2013.  A third party has the right to file an appeal of entry of the Supplemental CD until November 18, 2013.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company has recorded a liability for the full amount of the settlement.
	On October 18, 2013, the Company paid the initial settlement payment of $133,350, plus accrued interest on the entire settlement amount through that date, into a court-managed registry account (“registry”).  This payment and any other payments made by AVX into the registry shall not be disbursed to the Governments except by order of the Court issued after either (a) the time by which the third party may seek an appeal of the Supplemental CD has expired, or (b) the Court’s approval of the Supplemental CD is upheld on appeal and all appellate rights are exhausted.  The effective date of the UAO will be extended throughout any appeal period, and the UAO will be withdrawn prior to any disbursement of the registry funds to the Governments.
	We had reserves of approximately $380,354 and $379,983 at March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively, related to the various matters discussed above.  These reserves are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as $147,454 and $257,899 in accrued expenses at March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively, and $232,900 and $122,084 in other non-current liabilities at March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.  The amount recorded for identified contingent liabilities is based on estimates.  Amounts recorded are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional legal and technical information that becomes available.  Also, uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, regulatory actions, technology, and information related to individual sites make it difficult to develop an estimate of the reasonably possible aggregate environmental remediation exposure.  Therefore, these costs could differ from our current estimates.
	On November 27, 2007, a suit was filed in the South Carolina State Court by certain individuals as a class action with respect to property adjacent to our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina factory, claiming property values have been negatively impacted by alleged migration of certain pollutants from our property.  Based on our estimate of potential outcomes, we have accrued approximately $350 with respect to this case as of September 30, 2013.
	During fiscal 2010, AVX was named as a third party defendant in a case filed in Massachusetts Superior Court captioned DaRosa v. City of New Bedford.  This case relates to a former disposal site in the City of New Bedford located at Parker Street.  The City asserts that AVX, among others, contributed to that site.  We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in this lawsuit. In light of the foregoing, we are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this case on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.
	AVX has received a demand for approximately $11,000 from the City of New Bedford arising from contamination at the City’s New Bedford Railyard. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend vigorously the demand. In light of the foregoing, we are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this demand on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.
	We also operate on other sites that may have potential future environmental issues as a result of activities at sites during AVX’s long history of manufacturing operations or prior to the start of operations by AVX.  Even though we may have rights of indemnity for such environmental matters at certain sites, regulatory agencies in those jurisdictions may require us to address such issues.  Once it becomes probable that we will incur costs in connection with remediation of a site and such costs can be reasonably estimated, we establish reserves or adjust our reserves for our projected share of these costs.  A separate account receivable is recorded for any indemnified costs.
	We are involved in disputes, warranty, and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business.  While we cannot predict the outcome of these disputes and proceedings, management believes, based upon a review with legal counsel, that none of these proceedings will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), or cash flows.

Comprehensive_Income_Loss

Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	9. Comprehensive Income (Loss):
	Comprehensive income (loss) represents changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders.  The specific components include net income (loss), pension liability and other post-retirement benefit adjustments, deferred gains and losses resulting from foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on qualified foreign currency cash flow hedges.
	Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the following components:
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2012				2013
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	11,111	$	11,111	$	10,237	$	10,237
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		567		429		-66		-73
	Pension liability adjustment		854		616		1,069		770
	Other comprehensive income	$	12,532	$	12,156	$	11,240	$	10,934
		Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012				2013
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	-8,297	$	-8,297	$	9,560	$	9,560
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		1,768		1,442		922		711
	Pension liability adjustment		1,165		839		2,589		1,864
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-5,364	$	-6,016	$	13,071	$	12,135
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income (loss) include those that pertain to the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans and realized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges.  Please see Note 12 for additional information related to the amortization of prior service cost and the recognized actuarial losses, which amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income (loss) and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations during the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2013.  Please see Note 13 for additional information related to realized gains and losses on derivative instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income (loss) during the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2013.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	10. Acquisitions
	On February 6, 2013, the Company acquired by merger all of the outstanding capital stock of the Tantalum Components Division of Nichicon Corporation (“Asia Tantalum”) for $86,000 in cash, subject to customary working capital adjustments. Asia Tantalum designs, develops, manufactures, and markets tantalum electronic components. Asia Tantalum’s products are used in a broad range of commercial applications.  Asia Tantalum has manufacturing facilities located in Adogawa, Japan and Tianjin, China.  The acquisition enhances our leadership position in the passive electronic component industry and provides further opportunities for expansion in the Asian region and tantalum component manufacturing efficiencies.
	The Company has used the acquisition method of accounting to record the transaction in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, “Business Combinations”. In accordance with the acquisition method, the purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values with the excess being allocated to goodwill.  Factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill include expected synergies and the trained workforce.  The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	As of September 30, 2013, the allocation of the purchase price was prepared based on estimates of fair values, as shown in the table below. The results of operations for Asia Tantalum are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations since the acquisition date.
	Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	Accounts receivable	$	7,756
	Inventory		15,100
	Other current assets and liabilities		-2,136
	Working capital		20,720
	Property and equipment		30,680
	Pension liability		-1,912
	Total identified assets and liabilities		49,488
	Purchase price		87,600
	Goodwill	$	38,112
	During the six months ended September 30, 2013, the Company paid an additional $1,600 to settle the working capital adjustment provisions of the purchase agreement, resulting in an increase in recorded goodwill during the period by the same amount.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]	'
Segment and Geographic Information	'
	11. Segment and Geographic Information:
	We have three reportable segments: Passive Components, KED Resale, and Interconnect. The Passive Components segment consists primarily of surface mount and leaded ceramic capacitors, RF thick and thin film components, surface mount and leaded tantalum capacitors, surface mount and leaded film capacitors, ceramic and film power capacitors, super capacitors, EMI filters (bolt in and surface mount), thick and thin film packages of multiple passive integrated components, varistors, thermistors, inductors, and resistive products.  The KED Resale segment consists primarily of ceramic capacitors, frequency control devices, SAW devices, sensor products, RF modules, actuators, acoustic devices, and connectors produced by Kyocera and resold by AVX.  The Interconnect segment consists primarily of automotive, telecom, and memory connectors manufactured by AVX Interconnect.  Sales and operating results from these reportable segments are shown in the tables below.  In addition, we have a corporate administration group consisting of finance and administrative activities and a separate research and development group.
	We evaluate performance of our segments based upon sales and operating profit.  There are no intersegment revenues.  We allocate the costs of shared resources between segments based on each segment’s usage of the shared resources.  Cash, accounts receivable, investments in securities, and certain other assets, which are centrally managed, are not readily allocable to operating segments.
	The tables below present information about reported segments:
	Sales Revenue	Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Ceramic Components	$	43,529	$	47,635	$	84,222	$	94,586
	Tantalum Components		84,388		103,265		166,923		199,182
	Advanced Components		86,366		88,213		176,960		178,106
	Total Passive Components		214,283		239,113		428,105		471,874
	KDP and KCD Resale		101,010		84,854		193,881		174,901
	KCP Resale		15,759		17,835		29,191		31,103
	Total KED Resale		116,769		102,689		223,072		206,004
	AVX Interconnect		29,771		33,983		62,800		67,285
	Total Revenue	$	360,823	$	375,785	$	713,977	$	745,163
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Operating profit (loss):
	Passive Components	$	38,457	$	39,598	$	79,446	$	78,231
	KED Resale		5,700		7,000		8,277		11,308
	Interconnect		6,344		6,715		13,332		13,223
	Corporate Activities		-11,246		-11,948		-288,787		-22,162
	Total	$	39,255	$	41,365	$	-187,732	$	80,600
		31-Mar-13		30-Sep-13
	Assets:
	Passive Components	$	768,965	$	785,254
	KED Resale		52,058		33,965
	Interconnect		59,278		53,384
	Cash, A/R, and investments in securities		1,264,695		1,307,530
	Goodwill - Passive components		189,095		190,527
	Goodwill - Interconnect		10,277		10,277
	Corporate Activities		257,627		256,001
	Total	$	2,601,995	$	2,636,938
	The following geographic data is based upon net sales generated by operations located within particular geographic areas.  Substantially all of the sales in the Americas region were generated in the United States.
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Net sales:
	Americas	$	96,054	$	105,111	$	196,463	$	206,500
	Europe		86,890		90,818		176,188		184,952
	Asia		177,879		179,856		341,326		353,711
	Total	$	360,823	$	375,785	$	713,977	$	745,163

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans [Abstract]	'
Pension Plans	'
	12. Pension Plans:
	Net periodic pension cost for our defined benefit plans consisted of the following for the three and six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013:
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Three Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Service cost	$	109	$	116	$	115	$	216
	Interest cost		413		390		1,574		1,618
	Expected return on plan assets		-539		-545		-1,550		-1,673
	Amortization of prior service cost		2		-		-		4
	Recognized actuarial loss		220		284		423		635
	Net periodic pension cost	$	205	$	245	$	562	$	800
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Six Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Service cost	$	217	$	232	$	230	$	431
	Interest cost		826		780		3,148		3,219
	Expected return on plan assets		-1,076		-1,090		-3,100		-3,329
	Amortization of prior service cost		4		-		-		8
	Recognized actuarial loss		440		568		846		1,263
	Net periodic pension cost	$	411	$	490	$	1,124	$	1,592
	Based on current actuarial computations, during the six months ended September 30, 2013, we made contributions of $3,690 to the international plans. We expect to make additional contributions of approximately $3,690 to the international plans over the remainder of fiscal 2014.  We made no contributions to the U.S. plans during the six months ended September 30, 2013 due to their funding status, and we do not anticipate making any contributions during the remainder of the fiscal year.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	13. Derivative Financial Instruments:
	We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of business and use derivative instruments (forward contracts) to hedge certain foreign currency exposures as part of the risk management strategy.  The objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with gains and losses on the forward contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings or protecting fair values of assets and liabilities.  We do not enter into any trading or speculative positions with regard to derivative instruments.
	We primarily use forward contracts, with maturities less than four months, designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in our forecasted transactions related to purchase commitments and sales, denominated in various currencies.  These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges.
	The effectiveness of the cash flow hedges is determined by comparing the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedged transaction, both of which are based on forward rates. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these cash flow hedges is initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  Once the hedged transaction is recognized, the gain or loss is recognized in our statement of operations. At March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively, the following forward contracts were entered into to hedge against the volatility of foreign currency exchange rates for certain forecasted sales and purchases.
		31-Mar-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	1,117	Accrued expenses	$	2,050
		30-Sep-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	994	Accrued expenses	$	1,005
	For these derivatives designated as hedging instruments, during the three and six months ended September 30, 2013, net pretax gains (losses) of $(238) and $(1,004), respectively, were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, during the three and six months ended September 30, 2013, net pretax gains (losses) of $455 and $(2,699), respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales (for hedging purchases), and net pretax gains (losses) of $(650) and $797, respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into sales (for hedging sales) in the accompanying statement of operations.
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of forwards used to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures representing hedging instruments used to offset foreign currency changes in the fair values of the underlying assets and liabilities.  The gains and losses on these foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in other income in the same period as the remeasurement gains and losses of the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and thus naturally offset these gains and losses. At March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, we had the following forward contracts that were entered into to hedge against these exposures.
		31-Mar-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	51	Accrued expenses	$	396
		30-Sep-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	255	Accrued expenses	$	59
	For these derivatives not designated as hedging instruments during the three and six months ended September 30, 2013, gains (losses) of $ (1,122) and $ (2,560), respectively, on hedging contracts were recognized in other income, which offset the approximately $1,036 and $2,729, respectively, in exchange gains (losses) that were recognized in other income in the accompanying statement of operations.
	At March 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, we had outstanding foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $187,670 and $212,930, respectively, denominated primarily in euros, Czech korunas, British pounds, and Japanese yen.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Event [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	14. Subsequent Events:
	On October 23, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a $0.0875 dividend per share of common stock with respect to the quarter ended September 30, 2013.  The dividend will be paid to stockholders of record on November 8, 2013 and will be disbursed on November 22, 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Net income (loss)	$	28,037	$	28,816	$	-108,747	$	56,473
	Computation of Basic EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Basic EPS		169,221		168,587		169,374		168,617
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.17	$	0.17	$	-0.64	$	0.33
	Computation of Diluted EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		169,221		168,587		169,374		168,617
	Effect of stock options		27		150		-		207
	Weighted Average Shares used in computing Diluted EPS (1)		169,248		168,737		169,374		168,824
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	0.17	$	0.17	$	-0.64	$	0.33
	(1) Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,957 shares and 2,963 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,883 and 3,102 for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  In addition, 53 shares that would have been dilutive if we had income were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the Company's net loss position for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Tabl

Trade Accounts Receivable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Trade Accounts Receivable	'
		31-Mar-13		30-Sep-13
	Gross Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	221,109	$	232,004
	Less:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		705		389
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit		14,771		15,448
	Sales returns and discounts		5,486		6,035
	Total allowances		20,962		21,872
	Net Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	200,147	$	210,132
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Allowances	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	615	$	685	$	720	$	705
	Charges		420		46		523		48
	Applications		-221		-342		-429		-364
	Ending Balance	$	814	$	389	$	814	$	389
Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Allowances	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit:
	Beginning Balance	$	14,898	$	15,554	$	14,327	$	14,771
	Charges		7,933		11,017		17,082		21,166
	Applications		-8,358		-11,123		-16,936		-20,489
	Ending Balance	$	14,473	$	15,448	$	14,473	$	15,448
Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Allowances	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Sales returns and discounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	5,992	$	4,968	$	7,179	$	5,486
	Charges		837		5,535		3,723		8,660
	Applications		-1,439		-4,493		-5,435		-8,143
	Translation and other		32		25		-45		32
	Ending Balance	$	5,422	$	6,035	$	5,422	$	6,035

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Assets held in the non-qualified deferred	$	7,043	$	7,043	$	-	$	-
	compensation program(1)
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,168		-		1,168		-
	Total	$	8,211	$	7,043	$	1,168	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program(1)	$	7,043	$	7,043	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		2,446		-		2,446		-
	Total	$	9,489	$	7,043	$	2,446	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		30-Sep-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Assets held in the non-qualified deferred	$	7,562	$	7,562	$	-	$	-
	compensation program(1)
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,249		-		1,249		-
	Total	$	8,811	$	7,562	$	1,249	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		30-Sep-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program(1)	$	7,562	$	7,562	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,064		-		1,064		-
	Total	$	8,626	$	7,562	$	1,064	$	-
	(1) The market value of the assets held in the trust for the non-qualified deferred compensation program is included as an asset and as a liability as the trust’s assets are both assets of the Company and also a liability as they are available to general creditors in certain circumstances.
	(2) Foreign currency derivatives in the form of forward contracts are included in prepaid and other and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income.

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve1

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments in held-to-maturity securities, recorded at amortized cost	'
		31-Mar-13
				Gross		Gross
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	85,788	$	-	$	-69	$	85,719
	Corporate bonds		81,089		213		-4		81,298
	Time deposits		393,487		335		-		393,822
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		15,576		100		-		15,676
		$	575,940	$	648	$	-73	$	576,515
			30-Sep-13
				Gross		Gross
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	74,977	$	-	$	-246	$	74,731
	Corporate bonds		38,799		113		-2		38,910
	Time deposits		416,580		200		-		416,780
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		90,156		28		-78		90,106
		$	620,512	$	341	$	-326	$	620,527
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments, by contractual maturity	'
				Held-to-Maturity
				Amortized		Estimated
				Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less			$	530,356	$	530,421
	Due after one year through five years				90,156		90,106
	Total			$	620,512	$	620,527

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
		31-Mar-13		30-Sep-13
	Finished goods	$	119,793	$	102,304
	Work in process		107,641		114,416
	Raw materials and supplies		331,640		349,558
		$	559,074	$	566,278

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Tabl

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2012				2013
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	11,111	$	11,111	$	10,237	$	10,237
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		567		429		-66		-73
	Pension liability adjustment		854		616		1,069		770
	Other comprehensive income	$	12,532	$	12,156	$	11,240	$	10,934
		Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012				2013
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	-8,297	$	-8,297	$	9,560	$	9,560
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		1,768		1,442		922		711
	Pension liability adjustment		1,165		839		2,589		1,864
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-5,364	$	-6,016	$	13,071	$	12,135

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	Accounts receivable	$	7,756
	Inventory		15,100
	Other current assets and liabilities		-2,136
	Working capital		20,720
	Property and equipment		30,680
	Pension liability		-1,912
	Total identified assets and liabilities		49,488
	Purchase price		87,600
	Goodwill	$	38,112

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]	'
Information about reported segments	'
	Sales Revenue	Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Ceramic Components	$	43,529	$	47,635	$	84,222	$	94,586
	Tantalum Components		84,388		103,265		166,923		199,182
	Advanced Components		86,366		88,213		176,960		178,106
	Total Passive Components		214,283		239,113		428,105		471,874
	KDP and KCD Resale		101,010		84,854		193,881		174,901
	KCP Resale		15,759		17,835		29,191		31,103
	Total KED Resale		116,769		102,689		223,072		206,004
	AVX Interconnect		29,771		33,983		62,800		67,285
	Total Revenue	$	360,823	$	375,785	$	713,977	$	745,163
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Operating profit (loss):
	Passive Components	$	38,457	$	39,598	$	79,446	$	78,231
	KED Resale		5,700		7,000		8,277		11,308
	Interconnect		6,344		6,715		13,332		13,223
	Corporate Activities		-11,246		-11,948		-288,787		-22,162
	Total	$	39,255	$	41,365	$	-187,732	$	80,600
		31-Mar-13		30-Sep-13
	Assets:
	Passive Components	$	768,965	$	785,254
	KED Resale		52,058		33,965
	Interconnect		59,278		53,384
	Cash, A/R, and investments in securities		1,264,695		1,307,530
	Goodwill - Passive components		189,095		190,527
	Goodwill - Interconnect		10,277		10,277
	Corporate Activities		257,627		256,001
	Total	$	2,601,995	$	2,636,938
Net sales generated by operations located within particular geographic areas	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Net sales:
	Americas	$	96,054	$	105,111	$	196,463	$	206,500
	Europe		86,890		90,818		176,188		184,952
	Asia		177,879		179,856		341,326		353,711
	Total	$	360,823	$	375,785	$	713,977	$	745,163

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans [Abstract]	'
Net periodic cost for defined benefit plans	'
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Three Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Service cost	$	109	$	116	$	115	$	216
	Interest cost		413		390		1,574		1,618
	Expected return on plan assets		-539		-545		-1,550		-1,673
	Amortization of prior service cost		2		-		-		4
	Recognized actuarial loss		220		284		423		635
	Net periodic pension cost	$	205	$	245	$	562	$	800
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Six Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Service cost	$	217	$	232	$	230	$	431
	Interest cost		826		780		3,148		3,219
	Expected return on plan assets		-1,076		-1,090		-3,100		-3,329
	Amortization of prior service cost		4		-		-		8
	Recognized actuarial loss		440		568		846		1,263
	Net periodic pension cost	$	411	$	490	$	1,124	$	1,592

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Fair value of derivative instruments	'
		31-Mar-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	1,117	Accrued expenses	$	2,050
		30-Sep-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	994	Accrued expenses	$	1,005
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Fair value of derivative instruments	'
		31-Mar-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	51	Accrued expenses	$	396
		30-Sep-13
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance			Balance
		Sheet	Fair		Sheet	Fair
		Caption	Value		Caption	Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	255	Accrued expenses	$	59

Earnings_Per_Share_Basic_and_d

Earnings Per Share (Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$28,816		$28,037		$56,473		($108,747)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Basic EPS	168,587		169,221		168,617		169,374
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$0.17		$0.17		$0.33		($0.64)
Effect of stock options	150		27		207		'
Weighted Average Shares used in computing Diluted EPS	168,737	[1]	169,248	[1]	168,824	[1]	169,374	[1]
Diluted income (loss) per share	$0.17		$0.17		$0.33		($0.64)
Common stock equivalents, not included in the computation of diluted EPS	2,963		3,957		3,102		3,883
Dilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	'		'		'		53
[1]	Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,957 shares and 2,963 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,883 and 3,102 for the six months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In addition, 53 shares that would have been dilutive if we had income were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the Company's net loss position for the six months ended September 30, 2012.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Trad

Trade Accounts Receivable (Trade Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Accounts Receivable - Trade	$232,004	'	$221,109	'	'	'
Allowances	21,872	'	20,962	'	'	'
Net Accounts Receivable - Trade	210,132	'	200,147	'	'	'
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowances	389	685	705	814	615	720
Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowances	15,448	15,554	14,771	14,473	14,898	14,327
Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowances	$6,035	$4,968	$5,486	$5,422	$5,992	$7,179

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Allo

Trade Accounts Receivable (Allowances) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]	Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]	Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]	Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$21,872	$20,962	$685	$615	$705	$720	$15,554	$14,898	$14,771	$14,327	$4,968	$5,992	$5,486	$7,179
Charges	'	'	46	420	48	523	11,017	7,933	21,166	17,082	5,535	837	8,660	3,723
Applications	'	'	-342	-221	-364	-429	-11,123	-8,358	-20,489	-16,936	-4,493	-1,439	-8,143	-5,435
Translation and other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25	32	32	-45
Ending Balance	$21,872	$20,962	$389	$814	$389	$814	$15,448	$14,473	$15,448	$14,473	$6,035	$5,422	$6,035	$5,422

Fair_Value_Measurement_Inputs_

Fair Value (Measurement Inputs) (Details) (Recurring Basis [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	$7,562	[1]	$7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,249	[2]	1,168	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	8,811		8,211
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	7,562	[1]	7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,064	[2]	2,446	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	8,626		9,489
Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	7,562	[1]	7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	'	[2]	'	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	7,562		7,043
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	7,562	[1]	7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	'	[2]	'	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	7,562		7,043
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	'	[1]	'	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,249	[2]	1,168	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	1,249		1,168
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	'	[1]	'	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,064	[2]	2,446	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	1,064		2,446
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	'	[1]	'	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	'	[2]	'	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	'		'
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	'	[1]	'	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	'	[2]	'	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	'		'
[1]	The market value of the assets held in the trust for the non-qualified deferred compensation program is included as an asset and as a liability as the trustbs assets are both assets of the Company and also a liability as they are available to general creditors in certain circumstances.
[2]	Foreign currency derivatives in the form of forward contracts are included in prepaid and other and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income.

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve2

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities (Investments in held-to-maturity securities, recorded at amortized cost) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$620,512	$575,940
Gross Unrealized Gains	341	648
Gross Unrealized Losses	-326	-73
Estimated Fair Value	620,527	576,515
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments, Cost	38,799	81,089
Gross Unrealized Gains	113	213
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2	-4
Estimated Fair Value	38,910	81,298
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments, Cost	74,977	85,788
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-246	-69
Estimated Fair Value	74,731	85,719
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Time Deposits [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments, Cost	416,580	393,487
Gross Unrealized Gains	200	335
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	416,780	393,822
Long-Term Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term investment, Cost	90,156	15,576
Gross Unrealized Gains	28	100
Gross Unrealized Losses	-78	'
Estimated Fair Value	$90,106	$15,676

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve3

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities (Amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments by contractual maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities [Abstract]	'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$530,356
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	90,156
Total, Amortized Cost	620,512
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	530,421
Due after one year through five years, Estimated Fair Value	90,106
Total, Estimated Fair Value	$620,527

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$102,304	$119,793
Work in process	114,416	107,641
Raw materials and supplies	349,558	331,640
Total Inventory	$566,278	$559,074

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during period	$491
Stock options exercised during period	335
2004 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Granted options	75
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$2.91
Weighted average exercise price per share	$13.14
2004 Stock Option Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Granted options	500
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$2.15
Weighted average exercise price per share	$11.25

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 1991	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Myrtle Beach, South Carolina [Member]	Damages from Contamination at New Bedford Harbor [Member]	Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member]	Unilateral Administrative Order [Member]
						item
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Site Contingency, Timing of Disbursements	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years
Site Contingency, Number of Disbursements	'	'	'	'	'	3
Payments for Legal Settlements	'	'	'	'	$66,000	'
Certain remediaition costs for the site minimum amount under reopener provisions	'	'	'	'	130,500	'
Environmental reserves	379,983	380,354	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserves classified as accrued expenses	257,899	147,454	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserves classified as other non-current liabilities	122,084	232,900	350	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	'	'	'	11,000	'	'
Site Contingency, Accrual, Present Value	'	'	'	'	'	366,250
Litigation Settlement, Expense	'	'	'	'	'	$133,350

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Deta

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Pre-tax	$10,237	$11,111	$9,560	($8,297)
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment, Pre-tax	-66	567	922	1,768
Pension liability adjustment, Pre-tax	1,069	854	2,589	1,165
Other comprehensive income (loss), Pre-tax	11,240	12,532	13,071	-5,364
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Net of tax	10,237	11,111	9,560	-8,297
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment, Net of tax	-73	429	711	1,442
Pension liability adjustment, Net of tax	770	616	1,864	839
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	$10,934	$12,156	$12,135	($6,016)

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Asset

Acquisitions (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Acquired) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable	$7,756
Inventory	15,100
Other current assets and liabilities	-2,136
Working capital	20,720
Property and equipment	30,680
Pension liability	-1,912
Total identified assets and liabilities	49,488
Purchase price	87,600
Goodwill	38,112
Increase in goodwill due to net working capital adjustment	1,600
Original purchase price	$86,000

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, net sales) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$375,785	$360,823	$745,163	$713,977
Passive Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	239,113	214,283	471,874	428,105
Ceramic Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	47,635	43,529	94,586	84,222
Tantalum Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	103,265	84,388	199,182	166,923
Advanced Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	88,213	86,366	178,106	176,960
KED Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	102,689	116,769	206,004	223,072
KDP And KCD Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	84,854	101,010	174,901	193,881
KCP Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	17,835	15,759	31,103	29,191
Interconnect [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$33,983	$29,771	$67,285	$62,800

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, operating profit) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	$41,365	$39,255	$80,600	($187,732)
Passive Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	39,598	38,457	78,231	79,446
KED Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	7,000	5,700	11,308	8,277
Interconnect [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	6,715	6,344	13,223	13,332
Corporate Administration [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	($11,948)	($11,246)	($22,162)	($288,787)

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa4

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$2,636,938	$2,601,995
Passive Components [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	785,254	768,965
KED Resale [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	33,965	52,058
Interconnect [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	53,384	59,278
Corporate Administration [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	256,001	257,627
Cash A/R And Investments In Securities [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	1,307,530	1,264,695
Goodwill - Passive Components [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	190,527	189,095
Goodwill - Interconnect [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$10,277	$10,277

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa5

Segment and Geographic Information (Net sales generated by operations located within particular geographic areas) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$375,785	$360,823	$745,163	$713,977
Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	105,111	96,054	206,500	196,463
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	90,818	86,890	184,952	176,188
Asia [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$179,856	$177,879	$353,711	$341,326

Pension_Plans_Narrative_Detail

Pension Plans (Narrative) (Details) (International Plans [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
International Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions made	$3,690
Expected additional contributions	$3,690

Pension_Plans_Net_periodic_pen

Pension Plans (Net periodic pension cost for defined benefit plans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$116	$109	$232	$217
Interest cost	390	413	780	826
Expected return on plan assets	-545	-539	-1,090	-1,076
Amortization of prior service cost	'	2	'	4
Recognized actuarial loss	284	220	568	440
Net periodic pension cost	245	205	490	411
International Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	216	115	431	230
Interest cost	1,618	1,574	3,219	3,148
Expected return on plan assets	-1,673	-1,550	-3,329	-3,100
Amortization of prior service cost	4	'	8	'
Recognized actuarial loss	635	423	1,263	846
Net periodic pension cost	$800	$562	$1,592	$1,124

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in OCI	($238)	($1,004)	'
Net pre-tax gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into cost of sales (hedging purchases)	455	-2,699	'
Net pre-tax gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into sales (for hedging sales)	-650	797	'
Hedging contract gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense)	1,122	2,560	'
Exchange gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense)	1,036	2,729	'
Outstanding foreign exchange contracts	$212,930	$212,930	$187,670
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative contract maximum maturity term	'4 months	'	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid And Other [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$994	$1,117
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	1,005	2,050
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid And Other [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	255	51
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$59	$396

Subsequent_Event_Narrative_Det

Subsequent Event (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared, dividend per share	$0.09	$0.08	$0.18	$0.15
Subsequent Event [Member]	'	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared, dividend per share	$0.09	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date declared	23-Oct-13	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date of record	8-Nov-13	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date to be paid	22-Nov-13	'	'	'