AVX (AVX) 10-Q 7 Feb 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 05, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
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	'	168,208,155
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 $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$463,429	$486,724
Short-term investments in securities	451,749	560,364
Accounts receivable - trade, net	185,634	200,147
Accounts receivable - affiliates	1,850	1,884
Inventories	574,967	559,074
Income taxes receivable	46,997	15,060
Deferred income taxes	71,889	81,316
Prepaid and other	35,823	40,964
Total current assets	1,832,338	1,945,533
Long-term investments in securities	69,959	15,576
Property and equipment	1,630,161	1,627,664
Accumulated depreciation	-1,389,303	-1,369,400
Property and equipment, net	240,858	258,264
Goodwill	213,051	199,372
Intangible assets, net	69,363	73,832
Deferred income taxes - non-current	54,934	100,915
Other assets	9,243	8,503
Total Assets	2,489,746	2,601,995
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable - trade	60,635	49,104
Accounts payable - affiliates	41,493	66,083
Income taxes payable	6,520	1,434
Deferred income taxes	1,088	1,067
Accrued payroll and benefits	37,844	40,661
Accrued expenses	148,955	172,528
Total current liabilities	296,535	330,877
Pensions	28,165	35,945
Deferred income taxes - non-current	3,674	3,510
Other liabilities	142,697	258,733
Total Liabilities	471,071	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 168,317 shares at March 31 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,764	1,764
Additional paid-in capital	351,466	350,791
Retained earnings	1,766,705	1,723,070
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,267	-4,331
Treasury stock, at cost:7,735 and 8,051 shares at March 31 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-102,527	-98,364
Total Stockholders' Equity	2,018,675	1,972,930
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$2,489,746	$2,601,995

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	168,317,000	168,633,000
Treasury stock, shares	8,051,000	7,735,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$346,211		$339,875		$1,091,375		$1,053,852
Cost of sales	278,445		277,458		883,812		853,552
Gross profit	67,766		62,417		207,563		200,300
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,193		29,185		91,389		88,548
Environmental charge	'		'		'		266,250
Profit (loss) from operations	35,573		33,232		116,174		-154,498
Other income (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest income	1,252		1,842		3,848		5,556
Other, net	373		-447		-979		-747
Income (loss) before income taxes	37,198		34,627		119,043		-149,689
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	5,764		14,763		31,136		-60,807
Net income (loss)	$31,434		$19,864		$87,907		($88,882)
Income (loss) per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	$0.19		$0.12		$0.52		($0.53)
Diluted	$0.19		$0.12		$0.52		($0.53)
Dividends declared per share:	$0.10		$0.08		$0.27		$0.23
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'		'		'		'
Basic	168,428		168,978		168,554		169,241
Diluted	168,700	[1]	168,994	[1]	168,734	[1]	169,241	[1]
[1]	Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,822 shares and 2,282 shares for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,862 and 3,051 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In addition, 42 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 nine months ended December 31, 2012.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$31,434	$19,864	$87,907	($88,882)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-6,035	6,027	3,526	-2,270
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment	-1,576	-1,595	-865	-153
Pension liability adjustment	1,073	584	2,937	1,423
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-6,538	5,016	5,598	-1,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	$24,896	$24,880	$93,505	($89,882)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$87,907	($88,882)
Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	37,116	33,700
Stock-based compensation expense	1,080	1,097
Deferred income taxes	41,970	-40,643
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	75	1,523
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	13,033	28,251
Inventories	-15,037	7,849
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-35,760	23,287
Income taxes payable	6,408	-6,448
Other assets	-25,986	-41,496
Other liabilities	-121,969	230,352
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-11,163	148,590
Investing Activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-18,149	-34,283
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired	-1,600	'
Purchases of investment securities	-520,361	-440,140
Redemptions of investment securities	575,743	553,214
Proceeds from property and equipment dispositions	785	'
Net cash provided by investing activities	36,418	78,791
Financing Activities:	'	'
Dividends paid	-44,272	-38,104
Purchase of treasury stock	-8,788	-7,327
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,020	44
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements	200	1
Net cash used in financing activities	-48,840	-45,386
Effect of exchange rate on cash	290	-161
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-23,295	181,834
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	486,724	395,284
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$463,429	$577,118

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 nine month periods ended December 31, 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 nine month periods ended December 31, 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.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we determined there was an error in the calculation of deferred taxes on intangible assets pursuant to the acquisition of American Technical Ceramics (“ATC”) Corporation in September of 2007.  Accordingly in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we have recorded an out–of-period adjustment related to our calculation of deferred taxes relative to the fair values of intangible assets at that date resulting in an increase of $12,240 to deferred income tax liabilities and a corresponding increase to goodwill.  The change in goodwill would not have resulted in an impairment in a prior period.  Management performed an evaluation under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 and concluded the effect of the adjustment was immaterial to the current year and prior years’ financial statements as there was no impact on prior income statements, cash flows, or retained earnings and the adjustment was immaterial to our consolidated balance sheets.
	New Accounting Standards:
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, which is 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	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Net income (loss)	$	19,864	$	31,434	$	-88,882	$	87,907
	Computation of Basic EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Basic EPS		168,978		168,428		169,241		168,554
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.12	$	0.19	$	-0.53	$	0.52
	Computation of Diluted EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		168,978		168,428		169,241		168,554
	Effect of stock options		16		272		-		180
	Weighted Average Shares used in computing Diluted EPS (1)		168,994		168,700		169,241		168,734
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	0.12	$	0.19	$	-0.53	$	0.52
	(1) Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,822 shares and 2,282 shares for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,862 and 3,051 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  In addition, 42 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 nine months ended December 31, 2012.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable

Trade Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Trade Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'
Trade Accounts Receivable	'
	3. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
		31-Mar-13		31-Dec-13
	Gross Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	221,109	$	208,815
	Less:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		705		392
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit		14,771		16,389
	Sales returns and discounts		5,486		6,400
	Total allowances		20,962		23,181
	Net Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	200,147	$	185,634
	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				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	814	$	389	$	720	$	705
	Charges		-108		-3		104		45
	Applications		14		6		-104		-358
	Ending Balance	$	720	$	392	$	720	$	392
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit:
	Beginning Balance	$	14,473	$	15,448	$	14,327	$	14,771
	Charges		8,730		9,587		25,812		30,753
	Applications		-8,534		-8,646		-25,470		-29,135
	Ending Balance	$	14,669	$	16,389	$	14,669	$	16,389
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Sales returns and discounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	5,422	$	6,035	$	7,179	$	5,486
	Charges		2,901		7,872		6,624		16,532
	Applications		-2,987		-7,489		-8,422		-15,632
	Translation and other		9		-18		-36		14
	Ending Balance	$	5,345	$	6,400	$	5,345	$	6,400

Fair_Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 nine month periods ended December 31, 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 compensation program(1)	$	7,043		$	7,043	$	-	$	-
	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
		31-Dec-13			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program(1)	$	7,883		$	7,883	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,584			-		1,584		-
	Total	$	9,467		$	7,883	$	1,584	$	-
					Based on
					Quoted prices		Other
					in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at			markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Dec-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)	$	7,883		$	7,883	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		3,573			-		3,573		-
	Total	$	11,456		$	7,883	$	3,573	$	-
	(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 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 December 31, 2013, all of our forward contracts are Level 2 measurements.

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 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
		31-Dec-13
				Gross		Gross
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Corporate bonds		27,542		59		-2		27,599
	Time deposits		424,207		188		-		424,395
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		69,959		65		-1		70,023
		$	521,708	$	312	$	-3	$	522,017
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments at December 31, 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	$	451,749	$	451,994
	Due after one year through five years		69,959		70,023
	Total	$	521,708	$	522,017

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	6. INVENTORIES
		31-Mar-13		31-Dec-13
	Finished goods	$	119,793	$	108,397
	Work in process		107,641		112,832
	Raw materials and supplies		331,640		353,738
		$	559,074	$	574,967

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 364 stock options exercised during the nine months ended December 31, 2013 with a total intrinsic value of $581.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 any 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 (the “UAO”) directing the Company to perform certain remedial actions for the harbor clean-up pursuant to the reopener provisions.
	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 was obligated to 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.  The settlement also required the EPA to withdraw the UAO.  The United States District Court approved the settlement and entered the Supplemental CD on September 19, 2013.
	On October 18, 2013, the Company paid the initial settlement installment of $133,350, plus accrued interest on the entire settlement amount through that date into a court-managed registry account.  Following expiration of the time period for the appeal of the court’s approval of the settlement, such funds were disbursed to the various governments.  In accordance with the terms of the Supplemental CD, AVX is obligated to pay $110,817, plus interest, on September 19, 2014 and $122,083, plus interest, on September 21, 2015. AVX has the option to prepay any portion of the remaining settlement balance at any time prior to the due dates of the remaining installments.
	We had reserves of approximately $380,354 and $246,718 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to the various matters discussed above.  These reserves are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as $147,454 and $124,635 in accrued expenses at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and $232,900 and $122,083 in other non-current liabilities at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 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 December 31, 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 vigorously defend 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 vigorously defend 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)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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
		31-Dec-12				31-Dec-13
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	6,027	$	6,027	$	-6,035	$	-6,035
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		-1,971		-1,595		-1,875		-1,576
	Pension liability adjustment		811		584		1,490		1,073
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,867	$	5,016	$	-6,420	$	-6,538
		Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12				31-Dec-13
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	-2,270	$	-2,270	$	3,526	$	3,526
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		-202		-153		-954		-865
	Pension liability adjustment		1,976		1,423		4,079		2,937
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-496	$	-1,000	$	6,651	$	5,598
	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 nine month periods ended December 31, 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 nine month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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.  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 December 31, 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 since the acquisition date 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 nine months ended December 31, 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	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Ceramic Components	$	42,889	$	50,227	$	127,112	$	144,814
	Tantalum Components		76,828		96,270		243,751		295,452
	Advanced Components		83,069		86,605		260,028		264,711
	Total Passive Components		202,786		233,102		630,891		704,977
	KDP and KCD Resale		87,658		59,835		281,539		234,736
	KCP Resale		18,548		17,969		47,738		49,072
	Total KED Resale		106,206		77,804		329,277		283,808
	AVX Interconnect		30,883		35,305		93,684		102,590
	Total Revenue	$	339,875	$	346,211	$	1,053,852	$	1,091,375
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Operating profit (loss):
	Passive Components	$	33,058	$	39,804	$	112,504	$	121,228
	KED Resale		4,146		3,736		12,423		15,044
	Interconnect		6,290		6,711		19,622		19,704
	Corporate Activities		-10,262		-14,678		-299,047		-39,802
	Total	$	33,232	$	35,573	$	-154,498	$	116,174
		31-Mar-13		31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Passive Components	$	768,965	$	780,602
	KED Resale		52,058		41,637
	Interconnect		59,278		50,390
	Cash, A/R, and investments in securities		1,264,695		1,172,621
	Goodwill - Passive components		189,095		202,774
	Goodwill - Interconnect		10,277		10,277
	Corporate Activities		257,627		231,445
	Total	$	2,601,995	$	2,489,746
	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				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Net sales:
	Americas	$	92,238	$	99,295	$	288,701	$	305,795
	Europe		85,175		93,177		261,363		278,129
	Asia		162,462		153,739		503,788		507,451
	Total	$	339,875	$	346,211	$	1,053,852	$	1,091,375

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 nine months ended December  31, 2012 and 2013:
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Service cost	$	109	$	116	$	115	$	220
	Interest cost		413		390		1,578		1,683
	Expected return on plan assets		-539		-545		-1,554		-1,743
	Amortization of prior service cost		2		-		-		5
	Recognized actuarial loss		220		284		424		662
	Net periodic pension cost	$	205	$	245	$	563	$	827
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Service cost	$	326	$	348	$	345	$	651
	Interest cost		1,239		1,170		4,733		4,902
	Expected return on plan assets		-1,614		-1,635		-4,664		-5,072
	Amortization of prior service cost		5		-		-		9
	Recognized actuarial loss		660		852		1,273		1,925
	Net periodic pension cost	$	616	$	735	$	1,687	$	2,415
	Based on current actuarial computations, during the nine months ended December 31, 2013, we made contributions of $5,535 to the international plans. We expect to make additional contributions of approximately $1,900 to the international plans over the remainder of fiscal 2014.  There were no contributions to the U.S. plans during the nine months ended December 31, 2013 and we do not anticipate making any contributions during the remainder of the fiscal year.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 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
		31-Dec-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	$	1,247	Accrued expenses	$	3,134
	For these derivatives designated as hedging instruments, during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, net pretax gains (losses) of $(3,326) and $(4,330), respectively, were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, net pretax gains (losses) of $(1,044) and $(3,743), respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales (for hedging purchases), and net pretax gains (losses) of $(374) and $423, 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 December 31, 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
		31-Dec-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	$	337	Accrued expenses	$	439
	For these derivatives not designated as hedging instruments during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, gains (losses) of $(817) and $(3,377), respectively, on hedging contracts were recognized in other income, which offset the approximately $(607) and $(2,998), respectively, in exchange gains (losses) that were recognized in other income in the accompanying statement of operations.
	At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013, we had outstanding foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $187,670 and $65,224, respectively, denominated primarily in euros, Czech korunas, British pounds, and Japanese yen.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On February 5, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a $0.095 dividend per share of common stock with respect to the quarter ended December 31, 2013.  The dividend will be paid to stockholders of record on February 21, 2014 and will be disbursed on March 7, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Net income (loss)	$	19,864	$	31,434	$	-88,882	$	87,907
	Computation of Basic EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Basic EPS		168,978		168,428		169,241		168,554
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.12	$	0.19	$	-0.53	$	0.52
	Computation of Diluted EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		168,978		168,428		169,241		168,554
	Effect of stock options		16		272		-		180
	Weighted Average Shares used in computing Diluted EPS (1)		168,994		168,700		169,241		168,734
	Diluted income (loss) per share	$	0.12	$	0.19	$	-0.53	$	0.52
	(1) Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,822 shares and 2,282 shares for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,862 and 3,051 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  In addition, 42 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 nine months ended December 31, 2012.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Tabl

Trade Accounts Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Trade Accounts Receivable	'
		31-Mar-13		31-Dec-13
	Gross Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	221,109	$	208,815
	Less:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		705		392
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit		14,771		16,389
	Sales returns and discounts		5,486		6,400
	Total allowances		20,962		23,181
	Net Accounts Receivable - Trade	$	200,147	$	185,634
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Allowances	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	814	$	389	$	720	$	705
	Charges		-108		-3		104		45
	Applications		14		6		-104		-358
	Ending Balance	$	720	$	392	$	720	$	392
Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Allowances	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Stock rotation and ship from stock and debit:
	Beginning Balance	$	14,473	$	15,448	$	14,327	$	14,771
	Charges		8,730		9,587		25,812		30,753
	Applications		-8,534		-8,646		-25,470		-29,135
	Ending Balance	$	14,669	$	16,389	$	14,669	$	16,389
Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Allowances	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Sales returns and discounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	5,422	$	6,035	$	7,179	$	5,486
	Charges		2,901		7,872		6,624		16,532
	Applications		-2,987		-7,489		-8,422		-15,632
	Translation and other		9		-18		-36		14
	Ending Balance	$	5,345	$	6,400	$	5,345	$	6,400

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 compensation program(1)	$	7,043	$	7,043	$	-	$	-
	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
		31-Dec-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program(1)	$	7,883	$	7,883	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,584		-		1,584		-
	Total	$	9,467	$	7,883	$	1,584	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Dec-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)	$	7,883	$	7,883	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		3,573		-		3,573		-
	Total	$	11,456	$	7,883	$	3,573	$	-
	(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 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)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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
		31-Dec-13
				Gross		Gross
				Unrealized		Unrealized		Estimated
		Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Corporate bonds		27,542		59		-2		27,599
	Time deposits		424,207		188		-		424,395
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		69,959		65		-1		70,023
		$	521,708	$	312	$	-3	$	522,017
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	$	451,749	$	451,994
	Due after one year through five years		69,959		70,023
	Total	$	521,708	$	522,017

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
		31-Mar-13		31-Dec-13
	Finished goods	$	119,793	$	108,397
	Work in process		107,641		112,832
	Raw materials and supplies		331,640		353,738
		$	559,074	$	574,967

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Tabl

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	'
		Three Months Ended
		31-Dec-12				31-Dec-13
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	6,027	$	6,027	$	-6,035	$	-6,035
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		-1,971		-1,595		-1,875		-1,576
	Pension liability adjustment		811		584		1,490		1,073
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,867	$	5,016	$	-6,420	$	-6,538
		Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12				31-Dec-13
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	-2,270	$	-2,270	$	3,526	$	3,526
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		-202		-153		-954		-865
	Pension liability adjustment		1,976		1,423		4,079		2,937
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-496	$	-1,000	$	6,651	$	5,598

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	'
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]	'
Information about reported segments	'
	Sales Revenue	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Ceramic Components	$	42,889	$	50,227	$	127,112	$	144,814
	Tantalum Components		76,828		96,270		243,751		295,452
	Advanced Components		83,069		86,605		260,028		264,711
	Total Passive Components		202,786		233,102		630,891		704,977
	KDP and KCD Resale		87,658		59,835		281,539		234,736
	KCP Resale		18,548		17,969		47,738		49,072
	Total KED Resale		106,206		77,804		329,277		283,808
	AVX Interconnect		30,883		35,305		93,684		102,590
	Total Revenue	$	339,875	$	346,211	$	1,053,852	$	1,091,375
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Operating profit (loss):
	Passive Components	$	33,058	$	39,804	$	112,504	$	121,228
	KED Resale		4,146		3,736		12,423		15,044
	Interconnect		6,290		6,711		19,622		19,704
	Corporate Activities		-10,262		-14,678		-299,047		-39,802
	Total	$	33,232	$	35,573	$	-154,498	$	116,174
		31-Mar-13		31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Passive Components	$	768,965	$	780,602
	KED Resale		52,058		41,637
	Interconnect		59,278		50,390
	Cash, A/R, and investments in securities		1,264,695		1,172,621
	Goodwill - Passive components		189,095		202,774
	Goodwill - Interconnect		10,277		10,277
	Corporate Activities		257,627		231,445
	Total	$	2,601,995	$	2,489,746
Net sales generated by operations located within particular geographic areas	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Net sales:
	Americas	$	92,238	$	99,295	$	288,701	$	305,795
	Europe		85,175		93,177		261,363		278,129
	Asia		162,462		153,739		503,788		507,451
	Total	$	339,875	$	346,211	$	1,053,852	$	1,091,375

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans [Abstract]	'
Net periodic cost for defined benefit plans	'
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Service cost	$	109	$	116	$	115	$	220
	Interest cost		413		390		1,578		1,683
	Expected return on plan assets		-539		-545		-1,554		-1,743
	Amortization of prior service cost		2		-		-		5
	Recognized actuarial loss		220		284		424		662
	Net periodic pension cost	$	205	$	245	$	563	$	827
		U.S. Plans				International Plans
		Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12		31-Dec-13
	Service cost	$	326	$	348	$	345	$	651
	Interest cost		1,239		1,170		4,733		4,902
	Expected return on plan assets		-1,614		-1,635		-4,664		-5,072
	Amortization of prior service cost		5		-		-		9
	Recognized actuarial loss		660		852		1,273		1,925
	Net periodic pension cost	$	616	$	735	$	1,687	$	2,415

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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
		31-Dec-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	$	1,247	Accrued expenses	$	3,134
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
		31-Dec-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	$	337	Accrued expenses	$	439

Basis_of_Presentation_OutofPer

Basis of Presentation (Out-of-Period Adjustments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Out-of-Period Adjustments [Abstract]	'
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	$12,240

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				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$31,434		$19,864		$87,907		($88,882)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Basic EPS	168,428		168,978		168,554		169,241
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$0.19		$0.12		$0.52		($0.53)
Effect of stock options	272		16		180		'
Weighted Average Shares used in computing Diluted EPS	168,700	[1]	168,994	[1]	168,734	[1]	169,241	[1]
Diluted income (loss) per share	$0.19		$0.12		$0.52		($0.53)
Common stock equivalents, not included in the computation of diluted EPS	2,282		3,822		3,051		3,862
Dilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	'		'		'		42
[1]	Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 3,822 shares and 2,282 shares for the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and 3,862 and 3,051 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In addition, 42 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 nine months ended December 31, 2012.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Trad

Trade Accounts Receivable (Trade Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Accounts Receivable - Trade	$208,815	'	$221,109	'	'	'
Allowances	23,181	'	20,962	'	'	'
Net Accounts Receivable - Trade	185,634	'	200,147	'	'	'
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowances	392	389	705	720	814	720
Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowances	16,389	15,448	14,771	14,669	14,473	14,327
Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowances	$6,400	$6,035	$5,486	$5,345	$5,422	$7,179

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Allo

Trade Accounts Receivable (Allowances) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 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	$23,181	$20,962	$389	$814	$705	$720	$15,448	$14,473	$14,771	$14,327	$6,035	$5,422	$5,486	$7,179
Charges	'	'	-3	-108	45	104	9,587	8,730	30,753	25,812	7,872	2,901	16,532	6,624
Applications	'	'	6	14	-358	-104	-8,646	-8,534	-29,135	-25,470	-7,489	-2,987	-15,632	-8,422
Translation and other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-18	9	14	-36
Ending Balance	$23,181	$20,962	$392	$720	$392	$720	$16,389	$14,669	$16,389	$14,669	$6,400	$5,345	$6,400	$5,345

Fair_Value_Measurement_Inputs_

Fair Value (Measurement Inputs) (Details) (Recurring Basis [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	$7,883	[1]	$7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,584	[2]	1,168	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	9,467		8,211
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	7,883	[1]	7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	3,573	[2]	2,446	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	11,456		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	7,883	[1]	7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	'	[2]	'	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	7,883		7,043
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	7,883	[1]	7,043	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	'	[2]	'	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	7,883		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	1,584	[2]	1,168	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	1,584		1,168
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	'	[1]	'	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	3,573	[2]	2,446	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	3,573		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 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 $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$521,708	$575,940
Gross Unrealized Gains	312	648
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3	-73
Estimated Fair Value	522,017	576,515
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments, Cost	27,542	81,089
Gross Unrealized Gains	59	213
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2	-4
Estimated Fair Value	27,599	81,298
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments, Cost	'	85,788
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-69
Estimated Fair Value	'	85,719
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Time Deposits [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments, Cost	424,207	393,487
Gross Unrealized Gains	188	335
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	424,395	393,822
Long-Term Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term investment, Cost	69,959	15,576
Gross Unrealized Gains	65	100
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	'
Estimated Fair Value	$70,023	$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 $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities [Abstract]	'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$451,749
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	69,959
Total, Amortized Cost	521,708
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	451,994
Due after one year through five years, Estimated Fair Value	70,023
Total, Estimated Fair Value	$522,017

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$108,397	$119,793
Work in process	112,832	107,641
Raw materials and supplies	353,738	331,640
Total Inventory	$574,967	$559,074

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
		2004 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan [Member]	2004 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Granted options	'	75	500
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	'	$2.91	$2.15
Weighted average exercise price per share	'	$13.14	$11.25
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during period	$581	'	'
Stock options exercised during period	364	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 1991	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 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]	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	246,718	380,354	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserves classified as accrued expenses	124,635	147,454	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental reserves classified as other non-current liabilities	122,083	232,900	350	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	'	'	'	11,000	'	'	'
Site Contingency, Accrual, Present Value	'	'	'	'	'	366,250	366,250
Litigation Settlement, Expense	'	'	'	'	'	133,350	'
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	'	'	'	'	'	110,817	110,817
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year	'	'	'	'	'	$122,083	$122,083

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Deta

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Pre-tax	($6,035)	$6,027	$3,526	($2,270)
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment, Pre-tax	-1,875	-1,971	-954	-202
Pension liability adjustment, Pre-tax	1,490	811	4,079	1,976
Other comprehensive income (loss), Pre-tax	-6,420	4,867	6,651	-496
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Net of tax	-6,035	6,027	3,526	-2,270
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment, Net of tax	-1,576	-1,595	-865	-153
Pension liability adjustment, Net of tax	1,073	584	2,937	1,423
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	($6,538)	$5,016	$5,598	($1,000)

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Asset

Acquisitions (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Acquired) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$346,211	$339,875	$1,091,375	$1,053,852
Passive Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	233,102	202,786	704,977	630,891
Ceramic Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	50,227	42,889	144,814	127,112
Tantalum Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	96,270	76,828	295,452	243,751
Advanced Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	86,605	83,069	264,711	260,028
KED Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	77,804	106,206	283,808	329,277
KDP And KCD Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	59,835	87,658	234,736	281,539
KCP Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	17,969	18,548	49,072	47,738
Interconnect [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$35,305	$30,883	$102,590	$93,684

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, operating profit) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	$35,573	$33,232	$116,174	($154,498)
Passive Components [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	39,804	33,058	121,228	112,504
KED Resale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	3,736	4,146	15,044	12,423
Interconnect [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	6,711	6,290	19,704	19,622
Corporate Administration [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	($14,678)	($10,262)	($39,802)	($299,047)

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa4

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$2,489,746	$2,601,995
Passive Components [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	780,602	768,965
KED Resale [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	41,637	52,058
Interconnect [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	50,390	59,278
Corporate Administration [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	231,445	257,627
Cash A/R And Investments In Securities [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	1,172,621	1,264,695
Goodwill - Passive Components [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	202,774	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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$346,211	$339,875	$1,091,375	$1,053,852
Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	99,295	92,238	305,795	288,701
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	93,177	85,175	278,129	261,363
Asia [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$153,739	$162,462	$507,451	$503,788

Pension_Plans_Narrative_Detail

Pension Plans (Narrative) (Details) (International Plans [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
International Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contributions made	$5,535
Expected additional contributions	$1,900

Pension_Plans_Net_periodic_pen

Pension Plans (Net periodic pension cost for defined benefit plans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$116	$109	$348	$326
Interest cost	390	413	1,170	1,239
Expected return on plan assets	-545	-539	-1,635	-1,614
Amortization of prior service cost	'	2	'	5
Recognized actuarial loss	284	220	852	660
Net periodic pension cost	245	205	735	616
International Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	220	115	651	345
Interest cost	1,683	1,578	4,902	4,733
Expected return on plan assets	-1,743	-1,554	-5,072	-4,664
Amortization of prior service cost	5	'	9	'
Recognized actuarial loss	662	424	1,925	1,273
Net periodic pension cost	$827	$563	$2,415	$1,687

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in OCI	($3,326)	($4,330)	'
Net pre-tax gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into cost of sales (hedging purchases)	-1,044	-3,743	'
Net pre-tax gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into sales (for hedging sales)	-374	423	'
Hedging contract gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense)	-817	-3,377	'
Exchange gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense)	-607	-2,998	'
Outstanding foreign exchange contracts	$65,224	$65,224	$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 $)	Dec. 31, 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	$1,247	$1,117
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	3,134	2,050
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid And Other [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	337	51
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$439	$396

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared, dividend per share	$0.10	$0.08	$0.27	$0.23
Subsequent Event [Member]	'	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared, dividend per share	$0.10	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date declared	5-Feb-14	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date of record	21-Feb-14	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date to be paid	7-Mar-14	'	'	'