AVX (AVX) 10-K 20 May 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	15-May-15	Sep. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Entity Registrant Name	AVX Corp
Entity Central Index Key	859163
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-28
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		168,121,418
Entity Public Float			$612,969,847
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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$381,605	$460,674
Short-term investments in securities	461,901	413,615
Accounts receivable - trade, net	186,615	206,417
Accounts receivable - affiliates	2,377	2,028
Inventories	535,912	550,518
Income taxes receivable	67,504	71,346
Deferred income taxes	76,963	31,896
Prepaid and other	31,675	32,229
Total current assets	1,744,552	1,768,723
Long-term investments in securities	150,029	25,000
Property and equipment, net	199,842	235,725
Goodwill	213,051	213,051
Intangible assets, net	62,587	67,735
Deferred income taxes - non-current	79,276	65,524
Other assets	9,678	9,230
Total Assets	2,459,015	2,384,988
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable - trade	35,290	49,576
Accounts payable - affiliates	40,753	45,058
Income taxes payable	4,450	2,956
Deferred income taxes	424	952
Accrued payroll and benefits	38,952	38,867
Accrued expenses	146,440	24,525
Total current liabilities	266,309	161,934
Pensions	22,520	18,267
Deferred income taxes - non-current	5,770	5,453
Other liabilities	32,453	151,649
Total non-current liabilities	60,743	175,369
Total Liabilities	327,052	337,303
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
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 168,221 and 168,190 shares for 2014 and 2015, respectively	1,764	1,764
Additional paid-in capital	352,996	351,708
Retained earnings	1,948,476	1,789,856
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-66,665	8,126
Treasury stock, at cost: 8,148 and 8,178 shares for 2014 and 2015, respectively	-104,608	-103,769
Total Stockholders' Equity	2,131,963	2,047,685
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$2,459,015	$2,384,988

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
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	168,190,000	168,221,000
Treasury stock, shares	8,178,000	8,148,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,353,228	$1,442,604	$1,414,400
Cost of sales	1,024,659	1,163,770	1,150,630
Gross profit	328,569	278,834	263,770
Selling, general and administrative expenses	115,820	119,670	117,365
Environmental charges			266,250
Profit (loss) from operations	212,749	159,164	-119,845
Other income (expense):
Interest income	4,554	4,899	7,021
Interest expense	-978	-2,432	-2,262
Other, net	2,274	1,726	1,764
Income (loss) before income taxes	218,599	163,357	-113,322
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	-7,272	36,320	-49,010
Net income (loss)	$225,871	$127,037	($64,312)
Income (loss) per share:
Basic	$1.34	$0.75	($0.38)
Diluted	$1.34	$0.75	($0.38)
Dividends declared	$0.41	$0.37	$0.31
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	168,148	168,473	169,124
Diluted	168,402	168,658	169,124

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income (loss)	$225,871	$127,037	($64,312)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-64,734	4,670	-10,249
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment	-2	933	356
Pension liability adjustment	-7,494	6,854	-13,801
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax	-2,561
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-74,791	12,457	-23,694
Comprehensive income (loss)	$151,080	$139,494	($88,006)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Stockholders' Equity at Mar. 31, 2012	$1,764	($87,988)	$349,474	$1,838,140	$19,363	$2,120,753
Common stock, number of shares at Mar. 31, 2012	169,601
Net income (loss)				-64,312		-64,312
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes					-23,694	-23,694
Dividends per share				-50,758		-50,758
Stock-based compensation expense			1,358			1,358
Stock option activity		204	-49			155
Stock option activity, number of shares	16
Tax benefit of stock option exercises			8			8
Cost of treasury stock purchased		-10,580				-10,580
Treasury stock purchased, number of shares	-984					-984
Stockholders' Equity at Mar. 31, 2013	1,764	-98,364	350,791	1,723,070	-4,331	1,972,930
Common stock, number of shares at Mar. 31, 2013	168,633
Net income (loss)				127,037		127,037
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes					12,457	12,457
Dividends per share				-60,251		-60,251
Stock-based compensation expense			1,363			1,363
Stock option activity		4,915	-672			4,243
Stock option activity, number of shares	387
Tax benefit of stock option exercises			226			226
Cost of treasury stock purchased		-10,320				-10,320
Treasury stock purchased, number of shares	-799					-799
Stockholders' Equity at Mar. 31, 2014	1,764	-103,769	351,708	1,789,856	8,126	2,047,685
Common stock, number of shares at Mar. 31, 2014	168,221					168,221
Net income (loss)				225,871		225,871
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes					-74,791	-74,791
Dividends per share				-67,251		-67,251
Stock-based compensation expense			1,456			1,456
Stock option activity		6,318	-642			5,676
Stock option activity, number of shares	495
Tax benefit of stock option exercises			474			474
Cost of treasury stock purchased		-7,157				-7,157
Treasury stock purchased, number of shares	-525					-525
Stockholders' Equity at Mar. 31, 2015	$1,764	($104,608)	$352,996	$1,948,476	($66,665)	$2,131,963
Common stock, number of shares at Mar. 31, 2015	168,191					168,190

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared	$0.41	$0.37	$0.31

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$225,871	$127,037	($64,312)
Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	42,214	50,209	46,871
Stock-based compensation expense	1,456	1,363	1,358
Deferred income taxes	-58,387	70,726	-76,408
Loss on disposal of property, plant & equipment, net of retirements	42	174	219
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	18,773	-7,639	14,625
Inventories	-3,005	9,778	17,586
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	115,401	-169,535	45,224
Income taxes	3,336	1,165	-12,433
Other assets	-23,939	-42,535	887
Other liabilities	-124,173	-111,380	221,178
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	197,589	-70,637	194,795
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	-26,599	-26,805	-43,705
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired		-1,600	-79,608
Purchases of investment securities	-1,064,254	-663,816	-675,394
Redemptions of investment securities	886,656	801,542	755,610
Proceeds from property, plant & equipment dispositions	88	795	1,851
Other investing activities			-170
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-204,109	110,116	-41,416
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid	-67,251	-60,251	-50,758
Purchase of treasury stock	-7,157	-10,320	-10,580
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,676	4,243	155
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements	474	226	8
Net cash used in financing activities	-68,258	-66,102	-61,175
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,291	573	-764
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-79,069	-26,050	91,440
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	460,674	486,724	395,284
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$381,605	$460,674	$486,724

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
	AVX Corporation and Subsidiaries
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
	General:
	AVX Corporation is a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier and reseller of a broad line of passive electronic components and interconnect products. Our consolidated financial statements of AVX Corporation (“AVX” or “the Company”) include all accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
	From January 1990 through August 15, 1995, we were wholly owned by Kyocera Corporation (“Kyocera”). As of March 31, 2015, Kyocera owned approximately 72% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
	Use of Estimates:
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our accounting policies and disclosure practices.
	Out of Period Adjustments
	During 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 fiscal 2014, we recorded an out–of-period adjustment related to the 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.
	During fiscal 2014, we determined there was an error in the calculation of deferred taxes primarily related to property, plant and equipment. As a result, in fiscal 2014, we recorded an increase in deferred tax assets of $4,428 with a corresponding decrease in income tax expense. Management performed an evaluation under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 and concluded the effect of the adjustment was immaterial to the fiscal 2014 and prior year’s financial statements.
	Cash Equivalents and Investments in Securities:
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months (90 days) or less to be cash equivalents.
	Our short-term and long-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.
	Inventories:
	We determine the cost of raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Manufactured inventory costs include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market (realizable value) and are valued at market value where there is evidence that the utility of goods will be less than cost and that such write-down should occur in the current period. Accordingly, at the end of each period, we evaluate our inventory and adjust to net realizable value. We review and adjust the carrying value of our inventories based on historical usage, customer forecasts received from marketing and sales personnel, customer backlog, certain date code restrictions, technology changes, demand increases and decreases, market directional shifts, and obsolescence and aging.
	Property and Equipment:
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Machinery and equipment are generally depreciated on the double‑declining balance method. Buildings are depreciated on the straight‑line method. The estimated useful lives used for computing depreciation are as follows: buildings and improvements – 10 to 31.5 years, machinery and equipment – 3 to 10 years.  Depreciation expense was $42,480, $43,731 and $37,073 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the related assets, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets.
	The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Upon disposal or retirement, the cost and accumulated depreciation of assets are eliminated from the respective accounts. Any gain or loss is reflected in our results of operations.
	Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets:
	We do not amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, but test these assets for impairment annually or whenever conditions indicate that such impairment could exist. The carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated in relation to the operating performance and estimated future discounted cash flows of the related reporting unit. If the sum of the discounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of the related assets, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets. The estimate of cash flow is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance. Our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment analysis indicated that there was no related impairment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, or 2015.
	During the year ended March 31, 2014, goodwill increased due to the final purchase accounting adjustments of the Asia Tantalum acquisition, as well as an increase of $12,240 for an out-of-period adjustment (described above) and the effects of foreign currency translation.
	We have determined that our intangible assets have finite useful lives. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense was $4,391,  $6,478, and $5,141 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.
		31-Mar-14				31-Mar-15
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	51,000	$	-18,417	$	51,000	$	-21,250
	Developed technology and other		13,231		-10,379		13,231		-10,994
	Trade name and trademarks		34,000		-1,700		34,000		-3,400
	Total	$	98,231	$	-30,496	$	98,231	$	-35,644
	The estimated future annual amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:
	Fiscal Year ended March 31,		Estimated Amortization Expense
	2016	$	5,032
	2017		5,032
	2018		4,963
	2019		4,886
	2020		4,841
	Thereafter		37,833
	Pension Assumptions:
	Pension benefit obligations and the related effects on our results of operations are calculated using actuarial models. Two critical assumptions, discount rate and expected rate of return on plan assets, are important elements of plan expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these assumptions at least annually. The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at a present value on the measurement date. To determine the discount rate, we apply the expected cash flows from each individual pension plan to specific yield curves at the plan’s measurement date and determine a level equivalent yield unique to each plan. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement, mortality, and turnover. These assumptions are evaluated at least annually and are updated to reflect our experience. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors. In such cases, the differences between actual results and actuarial assumptions are amortized over future periods.
	Income Taxes:
	As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our tax assets and liabilities in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves management estimating the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recoverable based on all available evidence, both positive and negative. To the extent we believe that recovery is not more likely than not, we establish a valuation allowance.
	We have recorded valuation allowances due to uncertainties related to our ability to realize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain net operating losses carried forward before they expire. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of future taxable income over the periods that our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. We continue to evaluate countries where we have a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets due to historical operating losses and when such positive evidence outweighs negative evidence we will release such valuation allowance as appropriate.
	We also record a provision for certain international, federal, and state tax contingencies based on the likelihood of obligation, when needed.  In the normal course of business, we are subject to challenges from U.S. and non-U.S. tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due.  These challenges may result in adjustments of the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions.  Further, during the ordinary course of business, other changing facts and circumstances may impact our ability to utilize tax benefits as well as the estimated taxes to be paid in future periods.  We believe that any potential tax exposures have been sufficiently provided for in the consolidated financial statements.  In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, we may need to adjust tax accounts and related payments, which could materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.
	We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our financial statements. We recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position would “more likely than not” be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. Accruals for estimated interest and penalties are recorded as a component of interest expense.
	We record deferred tax liabilities for temporary differences associated with deductions for foreign branch losses claimed by us in our U.S. income tax returns, as these deductions are subject to recapture provisions in the U.S. income tax code. When the recapture period expires for these deductions, the liabilities are removed and the tax benefit is recognized in the income tax provision.
	Foreign Currency Activity:
	Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, where functional currencies are their local currencies, are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Operating accounts are translated at an average rate of exchange for the respective accounting periods. Translation adjustments result from the process of translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars and are reported separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses reflected in the functional currencies are reported in our results of operations at the time of the transaction.
	Derivative Financial Instruments:
	Derivative instruments are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair values. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. For instruments designated as hedges, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified into the statement of operations in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects our results of operations. Any contracts that do not qualify as hedges, for accounting purposes, are marked to market with the resulting gains and losses recognized in other income or expense.
	We use financial instruments such as forward exchange contracts to hedge a portion, but not all, of our firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies. The purpose of our foreign currency management is to minimize the effect of exchange rate changes on actual cash flows from foreign currency denominated transactions. See Note 13 for further discussion of derivative financial instruments.
	Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable:
	All products are built to specification and tested by AVX or our suppliers for adherence to such specification before shipment to customers. We ship products to customers based upon firm orders. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. We recognize revenue when the sales process is complete. This occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the terms of an agreement of sale, there is a fixed or determinable selling price, title and risk of loss have been transferred, and collectability is reasonably assured. Estimates used in determining sales allowance programs described below are subject to the volatilities of the marketplace. This includes, but is not limited to, changes in economic conditions, pricing changes, product demand, inventory levels in the supply chain, the effects of technological change, and other variables that might result in changes to our estimates. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.
	Accounts Receivable
	We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. We evaluate the past-due status of trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
	Returns
	Sales revenue and cost of sales reported in the statement of operations are reduced to reflect estimated returns.  We record an estimated sales allowance for returns at the time of sale based on historical trends, current pricing and volume information, other market specific information, and input from sales, marketing, and other key management personnel.  The amount accrued reflects the return of value of the customer’s inventory. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. We believe that these procedures enable us to make reliable estimates of future returns. Our actual results have historically approximated our estimates. When the product is returned and verified, the customer is given credit against their accounts receivable.
	Distribution Programs
	A portion of our sales are to independent electronic component distributor customers, which are subject to various distributor sales programs. We report provisions for distributor allowances in connection with such sales programs as a reduction in revenue and report distributor allowances in the balance sheet as a reduction in accounts receivable. For the distribution programs described below, we do not track the individual units that are recorded against specific products sold from distributor inventories, which would allow us to directly compare revenue reduction for credits recorded during any period with credits ultimately awarded in respect of products sold during that period. Nevertheless, we believe that we have an adequate basis to assess the reasonableness and reliability of our estimates for each program.
	Distributor Stock Rotation Program
	Stock rotation is a program whereby distributor customers are allowed to return for credit qualified inventory, semi-annually, equal to a certain percentage, primarily limited to 5% of the previous six months net sales. We record an estimated sales allowance for stock rotation at the time of sale based on a percentage of distributor sales using historical trends, current pricing and volume information, other market specific information, and input from sales, marketing, and other key management personnel. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. We believe that these procedures enable us to make reliable estimates of future returns under the stock rotation program. Our actual results have historically approximated our estimates.  When the product is returned and verified, the distributor is given credit against their accounts receivable.
Distributor Ship-from-Stock and Debit Program
Ship-from-Stock and Debit (“ship and debit”) is a program designed to assist distributor customers in meeting competitive prices in the marketplace on sales to their end customers. Ship and debit programs require a request from the distributor for a pricing adjustment for a specific part for a sale to the distributor’s end customer from the distributor’s stock. Ship and debit authorizations may cover current and future distributor activity for a specific part for sale to their customer. At the time we record sales to the distributors, we provide an allowance for the estimated future distributor activity related to such sales since it is probable that such sales to distributors will result in ship and debit activity. We record an estimated sales allowance based on sales during the period, credits issued to distributors, distributor inventory levels, historical trends, market conditions, pricing trends we see in our direct sales activity with original equipment manufacturers and other customers, and input from sales, marketing, and other key management personnel. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. We believe that these procedures enable us to make reliable estimates of future credits under the ship and debit program. Our actual results have historically approximated our estimates. At the time the distributor ships the part from stock, the distributor debits us for the authorized pricing adjustment.
Special Incentive Programs
We may offer special incentive discounts based on amount of product ordered or shipped. At the time we record sales under these agreements, we provide an allowance for the discounts on the sales for which the customer is eligible. The customer then debits us for the authorized discount amount.
Research, Development, and Engineering:
Research, development, and engineering expenditures are expensed when incurred. Research and development expenses are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses and were $7,150, $10,514, and $11,951 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. Engineering expenses are included in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses as follows:
	Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
	2013		2014		2015
Engineering expense:
Cost of sales	$	22,876	$	15,726	$	13,439
Selling, general, and administrative expense		441		-		-
Total engineering expense	$	23,317	$	15,726	$	13,439
Stock‑Based Compensation:
We recognize compensation cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in the financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value for the share-based payment issued. Our policy is to grant stock options with an exercise price equal to our stock price on the date of grant. Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period of the award.
We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to determine the fair value of options at the grant date. See Note 11 for assumptions used.
Treasury Stock:
Our Board of Directors have approved stock repurchase authorizations in 2005 and 2007 whereby up to 10,000 shares of common stock could be purchased from time to time at the discretion of management. Accordingly, 984 shares were purchased during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, 799 shares were purchased during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, and 525 shares were purchased during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. We purchased 203 shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, we had in treasury 8,178 common shares at a cost of $104,608.  There are 4,185 shares that may yet be purchased under this the 2007 authorization.
Commitments and Contingencies:
Liabilities for loss contingencies are recorded when analysis indicates that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of loss can be estimated, we accrue the most likely amount.  In the event that no amount in the range of probable loss is considered most likely, the minimum loss in the range is accrued.  Amounts recorded are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional legal and technical information that becomes available. Legal costs are expensed as incurred.
New Accounting Standards:
In April 2014, the FASB issued changes to the criteria for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations. The changes require a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when any of the following occurs: (i) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, (ii) the component of an entity or group or components of an entity is disposed of by sale, or (iii) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of other than by sale. The amendments apply on a prospective basis to disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance on January 1, 2015 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This guidance modifies the financial reporting of revenue and how an entity will determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The guidance provides for a five-step approach in applying the standard: 1) identifying the contract with the customer, 2) identifying separate performance obligations in the contract, 3) determining the transaction price, 4) allocating the transaction price to separate performance obligations, and 5) recognizing the revenue when the performance obligation has been satisfied. The new guidance requires enhanced disclosures for the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is being recognized. The guidance is effective for public companies for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. Early adoption is not permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40); Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” This update requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
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	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 and are computed using the treasury stock method.
	The table below represents the basic and diluted earnings per share, calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents outstanding for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Net income (loss)		-64,312	$	127,037	$	225,871
	Computation of Basic EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in Computing Basic EPS		169,124		168,473		168,148
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	-0.38	$	0.75	$	1.34
	Computation of Diluted EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in Computing Basic EPS		169,124		168,473		168,148
	Effect of stock options		-		185		254
	Weighted Average Shares used in Computing Diluted EPS (1)		169,124		168,658		168,402
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	-0.38	$	0.75	$	1.34
	(1) Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive were 3,847 shares, 2,942 shares, and 2,309 shares for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. In addition, 50 shares of common stock equivalents 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 fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

Comprehensive_Income_Loss

Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3.  Comprehensive Income:
	Comprehensive income (loss) includes the following components:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013				2014				2015
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	-10,249	$	-10,249	$	4,670	$	4,670	$	-64,734	$	-64,734
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		413		356		1,149		933		10		-2
	Pension liability adjustment		-18,600		-13,801		9,791		6,854		-9,930		-7,494
	Other post-employment obligations		-		-		-		-		-2,561		-2,561
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-28,436	$	-23,694	$	15,610	$	12,457	$	-77,215	$	-74,791
	The accumulated balance of comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
				As of March 31,
				2014		2015
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			$	50,748	$	-13,986
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment				184		182
	Pension liability adjustment				-42,806		-50,300
	Other post-employment obligations				-		-2,561
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			$	8,126	$	-66,665

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, there have been no transfers of assets between the levels within the fair value hierarchy.
					Based on
					Quoted prices		Other
					in active		observable		Unobservable
			Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
			31-Mar-14		(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)		$	7,915	$	7,915	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)			564		-		564		-
	Total		$	8,479	$	7,915	$	564	$	-
					Based on
					Quoted prices		Other
					in active		observable		Unobservable
			Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
			31-Mar-14		(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)		$	7,915	$	7,915	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)			433		-		433		-
	Total		$	8,348	$	7,915	$	433	$	-
					Based on
					Quoted prices		Other
					in active		observable		Unobservable
			Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
			31-Mar-15		(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)		$	8,636	$	8,636	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)			1,279		-		1,279		-
	Total		$	9,915	$	8,636	$	1,279	$	-
					Based on
					Quoted prices		Other
					in active		observable		Unobservable
			Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
			31-Mar-15		(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)		$	8,636	$	8,636	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)			1,170		-		1,170		-
	Total		$	9,806	$	8,636	$	1,170	$	-
	(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 in the March 31, 2014 and 2015 consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges and gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income.
	Valuation Techniques:
	The following describes valuation techniques used to 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, our intent and ability to hold the investment, and whether or not we expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost. 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 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, 2014 and 2015, all of our forward contracts have been designated as Level 2 measurements.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable

Trade Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Trade Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Trade Accounts Receivable	5. Accounts Receivable:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2014		2015
	Trade	$	230,321	$	209,838
	Less:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		410		659
	Ship from stock and debit and stock rotation		17,138		16,378
	Sales returns and discounts		6,356		6,186
	Total allowances		23,904		23,223
		$	206,417	$	186,615
	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.
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	720	$	705	$	410
	Charges		127		43		704
	Applications		-142		-338		-455
	Ending Balance	$	705	$	410	$	659
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Ship from stock and debit and stock rotation:
	Beginning Balance	$	14,327	$	14,771	$	17,138
	Charges		34,305		40,676		33,634
	Applications		-33,861		-38,309		-34,394
	Translation and other		-		-		-
	Ending Balance	$	14,771	$	17,138	$	16,378
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Sales returns and discounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	7,179	$	5,486	$	6,356
	Charges		18,477		22,608		20,524
	Applications		-20,129		-21,782		-20,468
	Translation and other		-41		44		-226
	Ending Balance	$	5,486	$	6,356	$	6,186

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property & Equipment [Abstract]
Inventories	6. Inventories:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2014		2015
	Finished goods	$	109,053	$	102,212
	Work in process		109,315		106,627
	Raw materials and supplies		332,150		327,073
		$	550,518	$	535,912
	7.  Property and Equipment:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2014		2015
	Land	$	43,325	$	37,461
	Buildings and improvements		348,168		294,577
	Machinery and equipment		1,233,914		1,128,683
	Construction in progress		11,389		7,216
			1,636,796		1,467,937
	Accumulated depreciation		-1,401,071		-1,268,095
		$	235,725	$	199,842

Property_Equipment

Property & Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property & Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	7.  Property and Equipment:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2014		2015
	Land	$	43,325	$	37,461
	Buildings and improvements		348,168		294,577
	Machinery and equipment		1,233,914		1,128,683
	Construction in progress		11,389		7,216
			1,636,796		1,467,937
	Accumulated depreciation		-1,401,071		-1,268,095
		$	235,725	$	199,842

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities	8. Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities:
	Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, securities investments, and trade accounts receivable. We place our cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality institutions.  At times, such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and countries. As of March 31, 2015, we believe that our credit risk exposure is not significant.
	At March 31, 2014 and 2015 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 is recorded as interest income.
	Investments in held-to-maturity securities, recorded at amortized cost, were as follows:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Corporate bonds		40,838		75		-		40,913
	Time deposits		372,777		245		-		373,022
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		25,000		13		-		25,013
		$	438,615	$	333	$	-	$	438,948
		As of March 31, 2015
		Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial Paper	$	34,493	$	-	$	-13	$	34,480
	Corporate bonds		2,517		-		-		2,517
	Time deposits		424,891		227		-		425,118
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		150,029		51		-53		150,027
		$	611,930	$	278	$	-66	$	612,142
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments at March 31, 2015, 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 Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	Due in one year or less			$	461,901	$	462,115
	Due after one year through five years				150,029		150,027
	Total			$	611,930	$	612,142

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	9. Income Taxes:
	For financial reporting purposes, income (loss) before income taxes includes the following components:
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
			2013		2014		2015
	Domestic		$	-192,584	$	83,837	$	114,333
	Foreign			79,262		79,520		104,266
			$	-113,322	$	163,357	$	218,599
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of:
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
			2013		2014		2015
	Current:
	Federal/State		$	19,116	$	-53,100	$	27,620
	Foreign			9,712		18,325		22,189
				28,828		-34,775		49,809
	Deferred:
	Federal/State			-81,632		72,028		-5,684
	Foreign			3,794		-933		-51,397
				-77,838		71,095		-57,081
			$	-49,010	$	36,320	$	-7,272
	Deferred taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
			As of March 31,
			2014				2015
	Current:		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Sales and receivable allowances		$	8,387	$	50	$	8,452	$	-
	Inventory reserves			14,530		1,320		14,376		356
	Accrued expenses and other			13,286		112		57,881		80
	Sub total			36,203		1,482		80,709		436
	Less: valuation allowances			-3,780		-		-3,734		-
	Total Current		$	32,423	$	1,482	$	76,975	$	436
			As of March 31,
			2014				2015
	Non-current:		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Depreciation and amortization		$	11,768	$	8,618	$	9,928	$	10,144
	Foreign branch goodwill amortization			-		10,454		-		-
	Pension obligations			14,944		7,824		17,348		7,936
	Accrued expenses			50,303		-		7,928		-
	Other, net			3,017		36		4,160		51
	Net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards			101,995		-		75,746		-
	Sub total			182,027		26,932		115,110		18,131
	Less: valuation allowances			-95,021		-		-23,473		-
	Total Non-current		$	87,006	$	26,932	$	91,637	$	18,131
			As of March 31,
			2014		2015
	Assets, net of valuation allowances		$	119,429	$	168,612
	Liabilities			-28,414		-18,567
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	91,015	$	150,045
			As of March 31,
			2013		2014		2015
	Valuation allowance beginning balance		$	72,781		91,541		98,801
	Charged to costs and expenses			3,651		1,227		-1,910
	Additions			19,479		-		-
	Releases			-		-		-50,111
	Translation and other			-4,370		6,033		-19,573
	Valuation allowance ending balance		$	91,541	$	98,801	$	27,207
	Amounts included in our consolidated balance sheets:
			As of March 31,
			2014		2015
	Current assets		$	31,896	$	76,963
	Current liabilities			-952		-424
	Noncurrent assets			65,524		79,276
	Noncurrent liabilities			-5,453		-5,770
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	91,015	$	150,045
	Reconciliation between the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate and our effective rate for income tax is as follows:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
	2013		2014	2015
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%		35.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.4		0.6	0.6
Effect of foreign operations	10.1		-7.6	-6
Change in valuation allowance	0.1		0.9	-22.4
Deemed dividends from subsidiaries	-4.6		2.8	1.8
Deduction for domestic production activities	2.4		-	-1.3
Utilization of foreign tax credits	2.6		-1.7	-1.2
Branch accounting restructuring	-		-	-6.5
Change in uncertain tax positions	-		-3.8	-0.6
Adjustment of prior year balances	-		-2.3	-
Other, net	-3.8		-1.7	-2.7
Effective tax rate	43.20%		22.20%	-3.30%
At March 31, 2015, certain of our foreign subsidiaries in Brazil, France, Germany, Israel, China, and Japan had tax net operating loss carry forwards totaling approximately $224,104 of which most had no expiration date. There is a greater likelihood of not realizing the future tax benefits of these net operating losses and other deductible temporary differences in Brazil, Israel, China, and Japan since these losses and other deductible temporary differences must be used to offset future taxable income of those subsidiaries, which cannot be assured, and are not available to offset taxable income of other subsidiaries located in those countries. Accordingly, we have recorded valuation allowances related to the net deferred tax assets in these jurisdictions. Valuation allowances increased (decreased) $18,761, $7,250, and $(71,583) during the years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively, as a result of changes in the net operating losses of the subsidiaries in the countries mentioned above. The decrease in valuation allowance during the year ended March 31, 2015 was also due to the reversal of valuation allowances of $49,969 related to the future utilization of NOLs totaling $149,922 at a French subsidiary. The related tax benefits upon utilization of the NOLs are un-expiring; however, they are subject to annual utilization limitations. The realization of tax benefits due to the utilization of these NOLs could take an extended period of time to realize and are dependent upon the French subsidiary’s continuing profitability.
At the present time, we expect that cash and profits generated by our foreign subsidiaries will continue to be reinvested indefinitely.  We do not provide for U.S. taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries which are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.  The amount of U.S. taxes on such undistributed earnings as of March 31, 2014 and 2015 would have been $180,960 and $186,676, respectively.
Income taxes paid totaled $43,920, $27,514 and $56,389 during the years ended March 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
We do not expect that the balances with respect to our uncertain tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.  For our more significant locations, we are subject to income tax examinations for the tax years 2011 and forward in the United States, 2011 and forward in Germany, 2009 and forward in Hong Kong, and 2009 and forward in the United Kingdom.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions is as follows:
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	13,156
Additions for tax positions of prior years		1,068
Additions for tax positions in current period		400
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-12
Reductions due to expiration of statutes		-38
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-372
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	14,202
Additions for tax positions of prior years		615
Additions for tax positions in current period		75
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-1,124
Reductions due to expiration of statutes		-5,521
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-164
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	8,083
Additions for tax positions of prior years		564
Additions for tax positions in current period		257
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-55
Reductions due to expiration of statutes		-1,687
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-386
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	6,776
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense.  As of March 31, 2014 and 2015, we had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $1,155 and $1,234, respectively. During the year ended March 31, 2014 and 2015, we recognized $(471) and $88, respectively, in interest and penalties.
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits recorded on our balance sheet that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $8,083 and $6,776 at March 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. This amount excludes the accrual for estimated interest discussed above.

Employee_Retirement_Plans

Employee Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Employee Retirement Plans	10. Employee Retirement Plans:
	Pension Plans:
	We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees. Pension benefits provided to certain U.S. employees covered under collective bargaining agreements are based on a flat benefit formula. Effective December 31, 1995, we froze benefit accruals under our domestic non‑contributory defined benefit pension plan for a significant portion of the employees covered under collective bargaining agreements. Our pension plans for certain international employees provide for benefits based on a percentage of final pay. Our funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws.
	We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability in our statement of financial position and recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The adjustment to our pension liability due to the change in the funded status of our plans resulted in a decrease in recorded pension liabilities by $17,646 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, and an increase in recorded pension liabilities by $4,145 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015.
	The change in the benefit obligation and plan assets of the U.S. and international defined benefit plans for 2014 and 2015 were as follows:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		U.S. Plans					International Plans
		2014			2015		2014		2015
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	40,315		$	39,282	$	162,691	$	169,575
	Service cost		466			196		1,017		903
	Interest cost		1,560			1,588		6,902		6,238
	Plan participants' contributions		-			-		85		49
	Actuarial loss (gain)		-1,181			6,036		-8,008		25,376
	Benefits paid		-1,878			-1,859		-6,660		-6,164
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		-			-		13,548		-19,038
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	39,282		$	45,243	$	169,575	$	176,939
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	34,922		$	36,058	$	131,637	$	153,998
	Actual return on assets		3,014			1,401		8,660		21,913
	Employer contributions		-			2,116		9,126		8,074
	Plan participants' contributions		-			-		85		49
	Benefits paid		-1,878			-1,859		-6,660		-6,164
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		-			-		11,150		-16,350
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		36,058			37,716		153,998		161,520
	Funded status	$	-3,224		$	-7,527	$	-15,577	$	-15,419
	The accumulated benefit obligation at March 31, 2014 and 2015 was $208,767 and $222,076 respectively.
	At March 31, 2015, the accumulated benefit obligation exceeded the fair value of the assets for all of the U.S. defined benefit plans and all but one of the international defined benefit plans.
	Our assumptions used in determining the pension assets and liabilities were as follows:
		As of March 31,
			2014			2015
	Assumptions:
	Discount rates		1.0-4.5%			0.5-3.5%
	Increase in compensation		3.90%			3.40%
	The following table shows changes in accumulated comprehensive income, excluding the effect of income taxes, related to amounts recognized in other comprehensive income during fiscal 2014 and 2015 and amounts reclassified to the statement of operations as a component of net periodic pension cost during fiscal 2014 and 2015.
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		U.S. Plans					International Plans
		2014			2015		2014		2015
	Beginning balance	$	14,104		$	10,953	$	52,703	$	45,461
	Net loss (gain) incurred during the year		-2,015			6,844		-9,826		11,391
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		-1,136			-804		-2,613		-1,885
	Amortization of prior service cost		-			-		-		-
	Foreign currency exchange		-			-		5,197		-5,347
		$	10,953		$	16,993	$	45,461	$	49,620
	Amounts that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic pension cost (as a component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 2014 and 2015) are as follows:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		U.S. Plans					International Plans
		2014 (1)			2015 (2)		2014 (1)		2015 (2)
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	6,996		$	10,876	$	35,775	$	39,424
	Unamortized prior service cost		-			-		-		-
		$	6,996		$	10,876	$	35,775	$	39,424
	(1) Amounts in the above table as of March 31, 2014 are net of $3,957 and $9,686 tax benefit for the U.S. Plans and for the International Plans, respectively.
	(2) Amounts in the above table as of March 31, 2015 are net of $6,117 and $10,219 tax benefit for the U.S. Plans and for the International Plans, respectively.
	The March 31, 2015 balance of unrecognized net actuarial losses expected to be amortized in fiscal 2016 is $1,551 for the U.S. Plans and $2,119 for the International Plans, respectively.
	Net pension cost related to these pension plans includes the following components:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014		2015
	Service cost	$	954		$	1,473	$	1,175
	Interest cost		7,957			8,176		8,361
	Expected return on plan assets		-8,333			-9,022		-10,137
	Amortization of prior service cost		7			-		-
	Recognized actuarial loss		2,563			3,749		2,689
	Net periodic pension cost	$	3,148		$	4,376	$	2,088
	Our assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension expense were as follows:
	As of March 31,
		2013			2014		2015
Assumptions:
Discount rates		1.0-5.0%			1.0-4.2%		1.0-4.5%
Increase in compensation		3.80%			3.90%		3.90%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		1.4-7.3%			1.4-7.3%		1.4-7.3%
The pension expense is calculated based upon a number of actuarial assumptions established annually for each plan year, detailed in the table above, including discount rate, rate of increase in future compensation levels, and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. To determine the discount rate, we apply the expected cash flows from each individual pension plan to specific yield curves at the plan’s measurement date and determine a level equivalent yield that may be unique to each plan. On that basis, the range of discount rates decreased 0.3% from March 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015.
The fair value of pension assets at March 31, 2014 and 2015 was determined using:
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
	Fair Value at			markets		inputs		inputs
	31-Mar-14			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
U.S. Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
Cash	$	147		$	147	$	-	$	-
Pooled Separate Accounts		32,806			-		32,806		-
Guaranteed Deposit Account		3,105			-		3,105		-
International Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
Cash		689			689		-		-
Depository Account		8,389			8,389		-		-
Pooled Separate Accounts		144,920			-		144,920		-
Total	$	190,056		$	9,225	$	180,831	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
	Fair Value at			markets		inputs		inputs
	31-Mar-15			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
U.S. Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
Cash	$	148		$	148	$	-	$	-
Pooled Separate Accounts		28,738			-		28,738		-
Guaranteed Deposit Account		8,830			-		8,830		-
International Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
Cash		362			362		-		-
Depository Account		7,464			7,464		-		-
Pooled Separate Accounts		153,694			-		153,694		-
Total	$	199,236		$	7,974	$	191,262	$	-
Assets valued using Level 1 inputs in the table above are cash and an interest-bearing depository account.
Assets valued using Level 2 inputs in the table above are investments held in pooled separate accounts and a guaranteed deposit account. See discussion in the “Valuation of Investments” section below.
Valuation of Investments
Our investments are held in a Depository Account, Pooled Separate Accounts, and a Guaranteed Deposit Account. Assets held in the Depository Account are cash and cash equivalents. Investments held in the Pooled Separate Accounts are based on the fair value of the underlying securities within the fund, which represent the net asset value, a practical expedient to fair value, of the units held by the pension plan at year-end. Those assets held in the Guaranteed Deposit Account are valued at the contract value of the account, which approximates fair value. The contract value represents contributions plus accumulated interest at the contract rate, less benefits paid to participants, contract administration fees, and other direct expenses.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is based upon actual historical returns and future expectations for returns for each asset class. These expected results were adjusted for payment of reasonable expenses from plan assets. Our long-term strategy is for target allocation of 50% equity and 50% fixed income for our U.S. defined benefit plans and 45% equity and 55% fixed income for our international defined benefit plans.
Our pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations at March 31, 2014 and 2015, by asset category are as follows:
	As of March 31, 2014				As of March 31, 2015
Asset Category	U.S. Plans		International Plans		U.S. Plans	International Plans
Equity securities	51%		43%		56%	42%
Debt securities	40%		51%		20%	53%
Other	9%		6%		24%	5%
Total	100%		100%		100%	100%
We make contributions to our defined benefit plans as required under various pension funding regulations. We expect to make contributions of approximately $7,200 to the international plans in fiscal 2016 based on current actuarial computations.
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:
Fiscal Year ended March 31,	U.S. Plans			International Plans
2016	$	1,952		$	5,856
2017		2,023			5,982
2018		2,109			6,106
2019		2,239			6,234
2020		2,347			6,360
2021-2025		12,923			33,712
Savings Plans:
We sponsor retirement savings plans, which allow eligible employees to defer part of their annual compensation. Certain contributions by us are discretionary and are determined by our Board of Directors each year. Our contributions to the savings plans in the United States and Europe for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were approximately $4,145, $4,074, and $4,000, respectively.
We  also sponsor a nonqualified deferred compensation program, which permits certain employees to annually elect to defer a portion of their compensation until retirement. A portion of the deferral is subject to a matching contribution by us. The employees select among various investment alternatives, which are the same as are available under the retirement savings plans, with the investments held in a separate trust. The value of the participants’ balances fluctuate based on the performance of the investments. The market value of the trust at March 31, 2014 and 2015 of $7,915 and $8,636, respectively, is included as an asset and a liability in our accompanying balance sheet because the trust’s assets are both assets of the Company and also a liability as they are available to general creditors in certain circumstances.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	11. Stock Based Compensation:
	We have six fixed stock option plans. Under the 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended, we could grant options to employees for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 9,300 shares of common stock. Under the Non‑Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended, we could grant options for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 650 shares of common stock. No awards were made under these two plans after August 1, 2005. Under the 2004 Stock Option Plan, as amended, we may grant options to employees for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 10,000 shares of common stock. Under the 2004 Non‑Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended, we may grant options for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 1,000 shares of common stock.  In July of 2013, the Board and the Company’s shareholders approved the adoption of the 2014 Stock Option Plan, under which we could grant options to employees for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 10,000 shares of common stock as well as the 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, under which we could grant options to our directors for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 1,000 shares of common stock. Under all plans, the exercise price of each option shall not be less than the market price of our stock on the date of grant and an option’s maximum term is 10 years. Options granted under the 1995 Stock Option Plan, 2004 Stock Option Plan, and the 2014 Stock Option Plan vest as to 25% annually and options granted under the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, 2004 Non‑Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, and the 2014 Non-Employee Director’s Stock Option Plan vest as to one-third annually. Requisite service periods related to all plans begin on the grant date.  As of March 31, 2015, there were 21,435 shares of common stock available for future issuance under all of the plans, consisting of options available to be granted and options currently outstanding.
	Activity under our stock option plans is summarized as follows:
			Number of Shares	Average Price (a)		Average Life (years) (b)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		4,171	$	13.34	-		-
	Options granted		513		13.32	-		-
	Options exercised		-495		11.47	-	$	1,376
	Options cancelled/forfeited		-607		14.28	-		106
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015		3,582	$	13.45	5.31	$	4,859
	Exercisable at March 31, 2015		2,630	$	13.82	4.26	$	3,064
		(a)	Weighted-average exercise price
		(b)	Weighted-average contractual life remaining
	The total aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised is $27, $654, and $1,376 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.
	Unvested share activity under our stock option plans for the year ended March 31, 2015 is summarized as follows:
						Number of Shares	Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested balance at March 31, 2014					1,273	$	2.44
	Options granted					513		2.75
	Options cancelled/forfeited					-97		2.50
	Options vested					-737		2.57
	Unvested balance at March 31, 2015					952	$	2.50
	The total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards expected to be recognized over the vesting period, approximately four years, was $842 and $778 as of March 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The total aggregate fair value of options vested is $1,552, $1,365, and $1,894 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.
	The weighted average estimated fair value of our stock options granted at grant date market prices was $2.09, $2.25, and $2.75 per option during fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. The consolidated statement of operations includes $957, net of $515 of tax benefit, in stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2015.
	Our weighted average fair value is estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model.  We estimated volatility by considering our historical stock volatility. We calculated the dividend yield based on historical dividends paid.  We have estimated forfeitures in determining the weighted average fair value calculation. The forfeiture rate used for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 was 7.3%. The following are significant weighted average assumptions used for estimating the fair value of options issued under our stock option plans:
			2013		2014	2015
			Grants		Grants	Grants
	Expected life (years)		6		6	6
	Interest rate		1.00%		1.00%	2.00%
	Volatility		28%		29%	27%
	Dividend yield		2.80%		3.10%	2.90%

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. Commitments and Contingencies:
	We are a lessee under long‑term operating leases primarily for office space, plant and equipment. Future minimum lease commitments under non‑cancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2015, were as follows:
	Fiscal Year ended March 31,
	2016	$	5,257
	2017		4,105
	2018		3,204
	2019		3,073
	2020		3,047
	Thereafter		1,672
	Rental expense for operating leases was $7,382, $7,333, and $6,759 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.
	From time to time we enter into delivery contracts with selected suppliers for certain metals used in our production processes. The delivery contracts represent routine purchase orders for delivery within three months and payment is due upon receipt. As of March 31, 2015, we had no significant outstanding purchase commitments.
	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 or such state statutes authorize joint and several liability, the EPA or state regulatory authorities 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 we have 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.
	On October 10, 2012, the EPA, the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and AVX announced that they had reached a financial settlement with respect to the EPA’s ongoing clean-up of the New Bedford Harbor in the Commonwealth (the “harbor”). That agreement is contained in a Supplemental Consent Decree that modifies certain provisions of a  1992 Consent Decree regarding clean-up of the harbor, including elimination of the governments’ right to invoke certain clean-up reopener provisions in the 1992 Consent Decree 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 Unilateral Administrative Order (the “UAO”) that was issued on April 18, 2012 regarding additional clean-up activities. The United States District Court approved the settlement and entered the Supplemental Consent Decree on September 19, 2013. On October 18, 2013, we paid the initial settlement installment of $133,350, plus accrued interest of $3,954. On March 26, 2014, we prepaid a second settlement installment of $110,817, plus accrued interest of $822 on the remaining settlement amount through that date. In accordance with the terms of the settlement, we are obligated to pay the remaining balance of $122,083, plus interest, on September 21, 2015. We have the option to prepay any portion of the remaining settlement balance at any time prior to the due date.
	Also, on June 3, 2010, AVX entered into an agreement with the EPA and the City of New Bedford, pursuant to which AVX is required to perform environmental remediation at a site referred to as the “Aerovox Site” (the “Site”), located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. AVX has substantially completed its obligations pursuant to such agreement with the EPA and the City of New Bedford with respect to the satisfaction of AVX’s federal law requirements. Agreements with the state regulatory authorities have yet to be concluded but are likely to include additional groundwater remediation. We have a remaining accrual of $11,845 at March 31, 2015, representing our estimate of the potential liability related to the remaining performance of environmental remediation actions at the Site using certain assumptions regarding the plan of remediation. Since additional sampling and analysis may cause the state regulatory authority, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, to require a more extensive and costly plan of remediation, until all parties agree and remediation is complete, we cannot be certain there will be no additional cost relating to the Site.
	We had total reserves of approximately $135,336 and $138,146 at March 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively, related to the various environmental matters. These reserves are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as $4,354 and $127,246 in accrued expenses at March 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively, and $130,983 and $10,900 in other non-current liabilities at March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, respectively. The amounts recorded for identified contingent liabilities are 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.  Accordingly, these costs could differ from our current estimates.
	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. Our environmental reserves are not discounted and do not reflect any possible future insurance recoveries, which are not expected to be significant, but do reflect a reasonable estimate of cost sharing at multiple party sites or indemnification of our liability by a third party.
	On November 27, 2007, a suit was filed in South Carolina State Court by individuals as a class action with respect to property adjacent to our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina factory claiming property values were negatively impacted by alleged migration of certain pollutants from our property. The parties agreed to a $1,200 settlement of the action, which was approved by the Court on December 15, 2014 and paid in January 2015. An appeal of one aspect of that class action is still pending before the South Carolina Supreme Court; if resolved against AVX, it may result in additional litigation.
	On March 1, 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 a predecessor company, Aerovox, among others, contributed to contamination at that site. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend the case.
	On October 16, 2014, a case was filed against AVX in Massachusetts Superior Court by the City of New Bedford arising from contamination at the City’s New Bedford Railyard. AVX had previously received a formal demand from the City in the amount of approximately $11,000 related to activities by Aerovox. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend the case.
	On April 25, 2013, AVX was named as a defendant in a patent infringement case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware captioned Greatbatch, Inc. v AVX Corporation. This case alleges that certain AVX products infringe on one or more of six Greatbatch patents. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend the case.
	On September 2, 2014, a subsidiary of AVX, American Technical Ceramics (“ATC”), was named as a defendant in a patent infringement case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware captioned Presidio Components, Inc. v. American Technical Ceramics Corp. This case alleges that certain products of ATC’s infringe on a Presidio patent. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend the case.
	During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, AVX was named as a co-defendant in a series of cases filed in the United States and in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia alleging violations of United States, Canadian, and state antitrust laws asserting that AVX and numerous other companies are participants in alleged price-fixing in the capacitor market. The cases in the United States were consolidated into the Northern District of California on October 2, 2014. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, additional Canadian cases were filed in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These cases are at the very initial stages. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend the cases.
	We are involved in other 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.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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. We 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 results of operations. At March 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively, the Company had the following forward contracts that were entered into to hedge against the volatility of foreign currency exchange rates for certain forecasted sales and purchases.
	31-Mar-14	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	548	Accrued expenses	$	332
	31-Mar-15	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	1,090	Accrued expenses	$	864
	For these derivatives designated as hedging instruments, during fiscal 2013, 2014, and 2015, net pre-tax gains (losses) of $(4,432), $(3,567), and $(2,133), respectively, were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, during fiscal 2013, 2014, and 2015, net pretax gains (losses) of $(7,448), $(5,140), and $(11,040), respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into cost of sales (for hedging purchases), and net pre-tax gains of $2,971, $509 and $8,725, respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 and expense in the same period as the remeasurement gain and loss of the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and thus naturally offset these gains and losses. At March 31, 2014 and 2015, we had the following forward contracts that were entered into to hedge against these exposures.
	31-Mar-14	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	16	Accrued expenses	$	101
	31-Mar-15	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	189	Accrued expenses	$	306
	For these derivatives not designated as hedging instruments during fiscal 2013, 2014, and 2015, gains (losses) of $(227), $(3,462), and $(4,392), respectively, were recognized in other expense, which partially offset the  $1,022, $4,035 and $5,006 in exchange gains (losses), respectively, that were recognized in other income in the accompanying statement of operations.
	At March 31, 2014 and 2015, we had outstanding foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $202,865 and $205,911, respectively, denominated primarily in euros, Czech korunas, British pounds, and Japanese yen.

Transactions_With_Affiliate

Transactions With Affiliate	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Transactions With Affiliate [Abstract]
Transactions With Affiliate	14. Transactions With Affiliate:
	Our business includes certain transactions with our majority shareholder, Kyocera, that are governed by agreements between the parties that define the sales terms, including pricing for the products. The nature and amounts of transactions with Kyocera are included in the table below.
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Sales:
	Product and equipment sales to affiliates	$	12,804	$	20,530	$	28,723
	Purchases:
	Purchases of resale inventories, raw materials, supplies, equipment, and services		419,472		322,570		272,679
	Other:
	Dividends paid		36,540		43,544		48,720
	Kyocera notified AVX in February 2014 of its intent, effective April 1, 2015, to market its connector products in Asia using Kyocera’s sales force rather than continuing to have AVX resell such products in Asia. Sales of Kyocera connector products in Asia were $41,314, $43,858 and $47,513 with operating profit of $2,591,  $2,720 and $1,944 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Information	15. Segment and Geographic Information:
	Our operating segments are based on the types of products from which we generate revenues. We are organized into a product line organization with five main product groups and three reportable segments: Passive Components, KED Resale, and Interconnect. The product groups of Ceramic, Advanced, and Tantalum have been aggregated into the Passive Components reportable segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria and quantitative thresholds. The aggregation criteria consist of similar economic characteristics, products and services, production processes, customer classes, and distribution channels.  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 manufactured by us or purchased from other manufacturers for resale. 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 Elco automotive, telecom, and memory connectors manufactured by AVX Interconnect or purchased from other manufacturers for resale.  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, legal, EHS, and administrative activities.
	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:
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
	Sales revenue (in thousands)		2013			2014			2015
	Ceramic Components		$	173,315		$	193,978		$	202,719
	Tantalum Components			330,209			394,119			355,974
	Advanced Components			346,543			357,900			359,315
	Total Passive Components			850,067			945,997			918,008
	KDP and KCD Resale			377,707			293,048			229,869
	KCP Resale Connectors			61,809			64,680			70,741
	Total KED Resale			439,516			357,728			300,610
	Interconnect			124,817			138,879			134,610
	Total Revenue		$	1,414,400		$	1,442,604		$	1,353,228
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014			2015
	Operating profit (loss):
	Passive components	$	145,870		$	165,441		$	217,706
	KED Resale		17,659			18,074			21,010
	Interconnect		25,042			27,689			28,072
	Corporate activities		-308,416			-52,040			-54,039
	Total	$	-119,845		$	159,164		$	212,749
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014			2015
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Passive components	$	34,317		$	32,662		$	29,394
	KED Resale		272			169			104
	Interconnect		5,885			6,863			5,921
	Corporate activities		6,397			10,515			6,795
	Total	$	46,871		$	50,209		$	42,214
					As of March 31,
					2014			2015
	Assets:
	Passive components				$	744,821		$	742,543
	KED Resale					43,872			39,900
	Interconnect					51,012			46,111
	Cash, A/R and S/T and L/T investments					1,107,734			1,182,527
	Goodwill - Passive components					202,774			202,774
	Goodwill - Interconnect					10,277			10,277
	Corporate activities					224,498			234,883
	Total				$	2,384,988		$	2,459,015
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014			2015
	Capital expenditures:
	Passive components	$	29,029		$	22,764		$	21,452
	KED Resale		30			114			4
	Interconnect		12,598			3,269			4,899
	Corporate activities		2,048			658			244
	Total	$	43,705		$	26,805		$	26,599
	During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, no customers accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s sales. One customer accounted for 13% of net sales during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, one customer represented 15% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance.
	The following geographic data is based upon net sales generated by operations located within that geographic area and the physical location of long-lived assets. Substantially all of the sales in the Americas region were generated in the United States.
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
			2013			2014			2015
	Net sales:
	Americas		$	390,152		$	404,446		$	402,209
	Europe			351,603			379,183			388,747
	Asia			672,645			658,975			562,272
	Total		$	1,414,400		$	1,442,604		$	1,353,228
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Americas		$	103,177		$	89,086		$	81,787
	Europe			98,279			92,430			68,442
	Asia			56,808			54,209			49,613
	Total		$	258,264		$	235,725		$	199,842

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	16.  Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited):
	Quarterly financial information for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:
		First Quarter				Second Quarter
		2014		2015		2014		2015
	Net sales	$	369,379	$	350,589	$	375,785	$	365,405
	Gross profit		68,271		85,177		71,525		87,773
	Net income		27,657		40,771		28,816		44,621
	Basic earnings per share		0.16		0.24		0.17		0.27
	Diluted earnings per share		0.16		0.24		0.17		0.27
		Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
		2014		2015		2014		2015
	Net sales	$	346,211	$	321,687	$	351,229	$	315,547
	Gross profit		67,766		78,677		71,272		76,942
	Net income		31,434		38,953		39,130		101,526
	Basic earnings per share		0.19		0.23		0.23		0.60
	Diluted earnings per share		0.19		0.23		0.23		0.60
	Results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 include $67,153 or $0.40 per diluted share of one-time income tax benefits primarily attributable to the reversal of valuation allowances related to the future utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in our European operations and tax benefits related to the restructuring of foreign subsidiaries in the fourth quarter.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	17. Subsequent Events:
	On May 14, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a $0.105 dividend per share of common stock for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The dividend will be paid to stockholders of record on June 5, 2015 and will be disbursed on June 19, 2015.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Treasury Stock
	Treasury Stock:
	Our Board of Directors have approved stock repurchase authorizations in 2005 and 2007 whereby up to 10,000 shares of common stock could be purchased from time to time at the discretion of management. Accordingly, 984 shares were purchased during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, 799 shares were purchased during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, and 525 shares were purchased during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. We purchased 203 shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, we had in treasury 8,178 common shares at a cost of $104,608.  There are 4,185 shares that may yet be purchased under this the 2007 authorization.
General	General:
	AVX Corporation is a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier and reseller of a broad line of passive electronic components and interconnect products. Our consolidated financial statements of AVX Corporation (“AVX” or “the Company”) include all accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
	From January 1990 through August 15, 1995, we were wholly owned by Kyocera Corporation (“Kyocera”). As of March 31, 2015, Kyocera owned approximately 72% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates:
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our accounting policies and disclosure practices.
	Out of Period Adjustments
	During 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 fiscal 2014, we recorded an out–of-period adjustment related to the 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.
	During fiscal 2014, we determined there was an error in the calculation of deferred taxes primarily related to property, plant and equipment. As a result, in fiscal 2014, we recorded an increase in deferred tax assets of $4,428 with a corresponding decrease in income tax expense. Management performed an evaluation under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 and concluded the effect of the adjustment was immaterial to the fiscal 2014 and prior year’s financial statements.
Cash Equivalents	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months (90 days) or less to be cash equivalents.
Investments in Securities	Our short-term and long-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.
Inventories	Inventories:
	We determine the cost of raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Manufactured inventory costs include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market (realizable value) and are valued at market value where there is evidence that the utility of goods will be less than cost and that such write-down should occur in the current period. Accordingly, at the end of each period, we evaluate our inventory and adjust to net realizable value. We review and adjust the carrying value of our inventories based on historical usage, customer forecasts received from marketing and sales personnel, customer backlog, certain date code restrictions, technology changes, demand increases and decreases, market directional shifts, and obsolescence and aging.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment:
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Machinery and equipment are generally depreciated on the double‑declining balance method. Buildings are depreciated on the straight‑line method. The estimated useful lives used for computing depreciation are as follows: buildings and improvements – 10 to 31.5 years, machinery and equipment – 3 to 10 years.  Depreciation expense was $42,480, $43,731 and $37,073 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the related assets, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets.
	The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Upon disposal or retirement, the cost and accumulated depreciation of assets are eliminated from the respective accounts. Any gain or loss is reflected in our results of operations.
Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets:
	We do not amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, but test these assets for impairment annually or whenever conditions indicate that such impairment could exist. The carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated in relation to the operating performance and estimated future discounted cash flows of the related reporting unit. If the sum of the discounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of the related assets, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets. The estimate of cash flow is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance. Our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment analysis indicated that there was no related impairment for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, or 2015.
	During the year ended March 31, 2014, goodwill increased due to the final purchase accounting adjustments of the Asia Tantalum acquisition, as well as an increase of $12,240 for an out-of-period adjustment (described above) and the effects of foreign currency translation.
	We have determined that our intangible assets have finite useful lives. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense was $4,391,  $6,478, and $5,141 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.
		31-Mar-14				31-Mar-15
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	51,000	$	-18,417	$	51,000	$	-21,250
	Developed technology and other		13,231		-10,379		13,231		-10,994
	Trade name and trademarks		34,000		-1,700		34,000		-3,400
	Total	$	98,231	$	-30,496	$	98,231	$	-35,644
	The estimated future annual amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:
	Fiscal Year ended March 31,		Estimated Amortization Expense
	2016	$	5,032
	2017		5,032
	2018		4,963
	2019		4,886
	2020		4,841
	Thereafter		37,833
Pension Assumptions	Pension Assumptions:
	Pension benefit obligations and the related effects on our results of operations are calculated using actuarial models. Two critical assumptions, discount rate and expected rate of return on plan assets, are important elements of plan expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these assumptions at least annually. The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at a present value on the measurement date. To determine the discount rate, we apply the expected cash flows from each individual pension plan to specific yield curves at the plan’s measurement date and determine a level equivalent yield unique to each plan. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement, mortality, and turnover. These assumptions are evaluated at least annually and are updated to reflect our experience. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors. In such cases, the differences between actual results and actuarial assumptions are amortized over future periods.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes:
	As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our tax assets and liabilities in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves management estimating the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recoverable based on all available evidence, both positive and negative. To the extent we believe that recovery is not more likely than not, we establish a valuation allowance.
	We have recorded valuation allowances due to uncertainties related to our ability to realize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain net operating losses carried forward before they expire. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of future taxable income over the periods that our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. We continue to evaluate countries where we have a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets due to historical operating losses and when such positive evidence outweighs negative evidence we will release such valuation allowance as appropriate.
	We also record a provision for certain international, federal, and state tax contingencies based on the likelihood of obligation, when needed.  In the normal course of business, we are subject to challenges from U.S. and non-U.S. tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due.  These challenges may result in adjustments of the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions.  Further, during the ordinary course of business, other changing facts and circumstances may impact our ability to utilize tax benefits as well as the estimated taxes to be paid in future periods.  We believe that any potential tax exposures have been sufficiently provided for in the consolidated financial statements.  In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, we may need to adjust tax accounts and related payments, which could materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.
	We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our financial statements. We recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position would “more likely than not” be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. Accruals for estimated interest and penalties are recorded as a component of interest expense.
	We record deferred tax liabilities for temporary differences associated with deductions for foreign branch losses claimed by us in our U.S. income tax returns, as these deductions are subject to recapture provisions in the U.S. income tax code. When the recapture period expires for these deductions, the liabilities are removed and the tax benefit is recognized in the income tax provision.
Foreign Currency Activity	Foreign Currency Activity:
	Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, where functional currencies are their local currencies, are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Operating accounts are translated at an average rate of exchange for the respective accounting periods. Translation adjustments result from the process of translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars and are reported separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses reflected in the functional currencies are reported in our results of operations at the time of the transaction.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments:
	Derivative instruments are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair values. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. For instruments designated as hedges, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified into the statement of operations in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects our results of operations. Any contracts that do not qualify as hedges, for accounting purposes, are marked to market with the resulting gains and losses recognized in other income or expense.
	We use financial instruments such as forward exchange contracts to hedge a portion, but not all, of our firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies. The purpose of our foreign currency management is to minimize the effect of exchange rate changes on actual cash flows from foreign currency denominated transactions. See Note 13 for further discussion of derivative financial instruments.
Revenue Recognition	All products are built to specification and tested by AVX or our suppliers for adherence to such specification before shipment to customers. We ship products to customers based upon firm orders. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. We recognize revenue when the sales process is complete. This occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the terms of an agreement of sale, there is a fixed or determinable selling price, title and risk of loss have been transferred, and collectability is reasonably assured. Estimates used in determining sales allowance programs described below are subject to the volatilities of the marketplace. This includes, but is not limited to, changes in economic conditions, pricing changes, product demand, inventory levels in the supply chain, the effects of technological change, and other variables that might result in changes to our estimates. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. We evaluate the past-due status of trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
	Returns
	Sales revenue and cost of sales reported in the statement of operations are reduced to reflect estimated returns.  We record an estimated sales allowance for returns at the time of sale based on historical trends, current pricing and volume information, other market specific information, and input from sales, marketing, and other key management personnel.  The amount accrued reflects the return of value of the customer’s inventory. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. We believe that these procedures enable us to make reliable estimates of future returns. Our actual results have historically approximated our estimates. When the product is returned and verified, the customer is given credit against their accounts receivable.
	Distribution Programs
	A portion of our sales are to independent electronic component distributor customers, which are subject to various distributor sales programs. We report provisions for distributor allowances in connection with such sales programs as a reduction in revenue and report distributor allowances in the balance sheet as a reduction in accounts receivable. For the distribution programs described below, we do not track the individual units that are recorded against specific products sold from distributor inventories, which would allow us to directly compare revenue reduction for credits recorded during any period with credits ultimately awarded in respect of products sold during that period. Nevertheless, we believe that we have an adequate basis to assess the reasonableness and reliability of our estimates for each program.
	Distributor Stock Rotation Program
	Stock rotation is a program whereby distributor customers are allowed to return for credit qualified inventory, semi-annually, equal to a certain percentage, primarily limited to 5% of the previous six months net sales. We record an estimated sales allowance for stock rotation at the time of sale based on a percentage of distributor sales using historical trends, current pricing and volume information, other market specific information, and input from sales, marketing, and other key management personnel. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. We believe that these procedures enable us to make reliable estimates of future returns under the stock rotation program. Our actual results have historically approximated our estimates.  When the product is returned and verified, the distributor is given credit against their accounts receivable.
	Distributor Ship-from-Stock and Debit Program
	Ship-from-Stock and Debit (“ship and debit”) is a program designed to assist distributor customers in meeting competitive prices in the marketplace on sales to their end customers. Ship and debit programs require a request from the distributor for a pricing adjustment for a specific part for a sale to the distributor’s end customer from the distributor’s stock. Ship and debit authorizations may cover current and future distributor activity for a specific part for sale to their customer. At the time we record sales to the distributors, we provide an allowance for the estimated future distributor activity related to such sales since it is probable that such sales to distributors will result in ship and debit activity. We record an estimated sales allowance based on sales during the period, credits issued to distributors, distributor inventory levels, historical trends, market conditions, pricing trends we see in our direct sales activity with original equipment manufacturers and other customers, and input from sales, marketing, and other key management personnel. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. We believe that these procedures enable us to make reliable estimates of future credits under the ship and debit program. Our actual results have historically approximated our estimates. At the time the distributor ships the part from stock, the distributor debits us for the authorized pricing adjustment.
	Special Incentive Programs
	We may offer special incentive discounts based on amount of product ordered or shipped. At the time we record sales under these agreements, we provide an allowance for the discounts on the sales for which the customer is eligible. The customer then debits us for the authorized discount amount.
Research, Development, and Engineering	Research, Development, and Engineering:
	Research, development, and engineering expenditures are expensed when incurred. Research and development expenses are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses and were $7,150, $10,514, and $11,951 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. Engineering expenses are included in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses as follows:
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Engineering expense:
	Cost of sales	$	22,876	$	15,726	$	13,439
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		441		-		-
	Total engineering expense	$	23,317	$	15,726	$	13,439
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock‑Based Compensation:
	We recognize compensation cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in the financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value for the share-based payment issued. Our policy is to grant stock options with an exercise price equal to our stock price on the date of grant. Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period of the award.
	We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to determine the fair value of options at the grant date. See Note 11 for assumptions used.
Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments and Contingencies:
	Liabilities for loss contingencies are recorded when analysis indicates that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of loss can be estimated, we accrue the most likely amount.  In the event that no amount in the range of probable loss is considered most likely, the minimum loss in the range is accrued.  Amounts recorded are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional legal and technical information that becomes available. Legal costs are expensed as incurred.
New Accounting Standards
	New Accounting Standards:
	In April 2014, the FASB issued changes to the criteria for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations. The changes require a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when any of the following occurs: (i) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, (ii) the component of an entity or group or components of an entity is disposed of by sale, or (iii) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of other than by sale. The amendments apply on a prospective basis to disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance on January 1, 2015 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This guidance modifies the financial reporting of revenue and how an entity will determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The guidance provides for a five-step approach in applying the standard: 1) identifying the contract with the customer, 2) identifying separate performance obligations in the contract, 3) determining the transaction price, 4) allocating the transaction price to separate performance obligations, and 5) recognizing the revenue when the performance obligation has been satisfied. The new guidance requires enhanced disclosures for the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is being recognized. The guidance is effective for public companies for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. Early adoption is not permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40); Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” This update requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
		31-Mar-14				31-Mar-15
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	51,000	$	-18,417	$	51,000	$	-21,250
	Developed technology and other		13,231		-10,379		13,231		-10,994
	Trade name and trademarks		34,000		-1,700		34,000		-3,400
	Total	$	98,231	$	-30,496	$	98,231	$	-35,644
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
	Fiscal Year ended March 31,		Estimated Amortization Expense
	2016	$	5,032
	2017		5,032
	2018		4,963
	2019		4,886
	2020		4,841
	Thereafter		37,833
Research, Development, and Engineering Costs
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Engineering expense:
	Cost of sales	$	22,876	$	15,726	$	13,439
	Selling, general, and administrative expense		441		-		-
	Total engineering expense	$	23,317	$	15,726	$	13,439

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Net income (loss)		-64,312	$	127,037	$	225,871
	Computation of Basic EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in Computing Basic EPS		169,124		168,473		168,148
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	-0.38	$	0.75	$	1.34
	Computation of Diluted EPS:
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in Computing Basic EPS		169,124		168,473		168,148
	Effect of stock options		-		185		254
	Weighted Average Shares used in Computing Diluted EPS (1)		169,124		168,658		168,402
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	-0.38	$	0.75	$	1.34
	(1) Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive were 3,847 shares, 2,942 shares, and 2,309 shares for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. In addition, 50 shares of common stock equivalents 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 fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Comprehensive income (loss)
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013				2014				2015
		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax		Pre-tax		Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	-10,249	$	-10,249	$	4,670	$	4,670	$	-64,734	$	-64,734
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment		413		356		1,149		933		10		-2
	Pension liability adjustment		-18,600		-13,801		9,791		6,854		-9,930		-7,494
	Other post-employment obligations		-		-		-		-		-2,561		-2,561
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	-28,436	$	-23,694	$	15,610	$	12,457	$	-77,215	$	-74,791
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss)
				As of March 31,
				2014		2015
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			$	50,748	$	-13,986
	Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment				184		182
	Pension liability adjustment				-42,806		-50,300
	Other post-employment obligations				-		-2,561
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			$	8,126	$	-66,665

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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-14		(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)	$	7,915	$	7,915	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		564		-		564		-
	Total	$	8,479	$	7,915	$	564	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-14		(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)	$	7,915	$	7,915	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		433		-		433		-
	Total	$	8,348	$	7,915	$	433	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-15		(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)	$	8,636	$	8,636	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,279		-		1,279		-
	Total	$	9,915	$	8,636	$	1,279	$	-
				Based on
				Quoted prices		Other
				in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at		markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-15		(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)	$	8,636	$	8,636	$	-	$	-
	Foreign currency derivatives(2)		1,170		-		1,170		-
	Total	$	9,806	$	8,636	$	1,170	$	-
	(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 in the March 31, 2014 and 2015 consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges and gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Tabl

Trade Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade Accounts Receivable
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2014		2015
	Trade	$	230,321	$	209,838
	Less:
	Allowances for doubtful accounts		410		659
	Ship from stock and debit and stock rotation		17,138		16,378
	Sales returns and discounts		6,356		6,186
	Total allowances		23,904		23,223
		$	206,417	$	186,615
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowances
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Allowances for doubtful accounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	720	$	705	$	410
	Charges		127		43		704
	Applications		-142		-338		-455
	Ending Balance	$	705	$	410	$	659
Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowances
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Ship from stock and debit and stock rotation:
	Beginning Balance	$	14,327	$	14,771	$	17,138
	Charges		34,305		40,676		33,634
	Applications		-33,861		-38,309		-34,394
	Translation and other		-		-		-
	Ending Balance	$	14,771	$	17,138	$	16,378
Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowances
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Sales returns and discounts:
	Beginning Balance	$	7,179	$	5,486	$	6,356
	Charges		18,477		22,608		20,524
	Applications		-20,129		-21,782		-20,468
	Translation and other		-41		44		-226
	Ending Balance	$	5,486	$	6,356	$	6,186

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property & Equipment [Abstract]
Inventories
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2014		2015
	Finished goods	$	109,053	$	102,212
	Work in process		109,315		106,627
	Raw materials and supplies		332,150		327,073
		$	550,518	$	535,912

Property_Equipment_Tables

Property & Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property & Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2014		2015
	Land	$	43,325	$	37,461
	Buildings and improvements		348,168		294,577
	Machinery and equipment		1,233,914		1,128,683
	Construction in progress		11,389		7,216
			1,636,796		1,467,937
	Accumulated depreciation		-1,401,071		-1,268,095
		$	235,725	$	199,842

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve1

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities [Abstract]
Investments in held-to-maturity securities, recorded at amortized cost
		As of March 31, 2014
		Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Corporate bonds		40,838		75		-		40,913
	Time deposits		372,777		245		-		373,022
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		25,000		13		-		25,013
		$	438,615	$	333	$	-	$	438,948
		As of March 31, 2015
		Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial Paper	$	34,493	$	-	$	-13	$	34,480
	Corporate bonds		2,517		-		-		2,517
	Time deposits		424,891		227		-		425,118
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds		150,029		51		-53		150,027
		$	611,930	$	278	$	-66	$	612,142
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments, by contractual maturity
				Held-to-Maturity
				Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	Due in one year or less			$	461,901	$	462,115
	Due after one year through five years				150,029		150,027
	Total			$	611,930	$	612,142

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
			2013		2014		2015
	Domestic		$	-192,584	$	83,837	$	114,333
	Foreign			79,262		79,520		104,266
			$	-113,322	$	163,357	$	218,599
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
			2013		2014		2015
	Current:
	Federal/State		$	19,116	$	-53,100	$	27,620
	Foreign			9,712		18,325		22,189
				28,828		-34,775		49,809
	Deferred:
	Federal/State			-81,632		72,028		-5,684
	Foreign			3,794		-933		-51,397
				-77,838		71,095		-57,081
			$	-49,010	$	36,320	$	-7,272
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
			As of March 31,
			2014				2015
	Current:		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Sales and receivable allowances		$	8,387	$	50	$	8,452	$	-
	Inventory reserves			14,530		1,320		14,376		356
	Accrued expenses and other			13,286		112		57,881		80
	Sub total			36,203		1,482		80,709		436
	Less: valuation allowances			-3,780		-		-3,734		-
	Total Current		$	32,423	$	1,482	$	76,975	$	436
			As of March 31,
			2014				2015
	Non-current:		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Depreciation and amortization		$	11,768	$	8,618	$	9,928	$	10,144
	Foreign branch goodwill amortization			-		10,454		-		-
	Pension obligations			14,944		7,824		17,348		7,936
	Accrued expenses			50,303		-		7,928		-
	Other, net			3,017		36		4,160		51
	Net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards			101,995		-		75,746		-
	Sub total			182,027		26,932		115,110		18,131
	Less: valuation allowances			-95,021		-		-23,473		-
	Total Non-current		$	87,006	$	26,932	$	91,637	$	18,131
			As of March 31,
			2014		2015
	Assets, net of valuation allowances		$	119,429	$	168,612
	Liabilities			-28,414		-18,567
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	91,015	$	150,045
			As of March 31,
			2013		2014		2015
	Valuation allowance beginning balance		$	72,781		91,541		98,801
	Charged to costs and expenses			3,651		1,227		-1,910
	Additions			19,479		-		-
	Releases			-		-		-50,111
	Translation and other			-4,370		6,033		-19,573
	Valuation allowance ending balance		$	91,541	$	98,801	$	27,207
	Amounts included in our consolidated balance sheets:
			As of March 31,
			2014		2015
	Current assets		$	31,896	$	76,963
	Current liabilities			-952		-424
	Noncurrent assets			65,524		79,276
	Noncurrent liabilities			-5,453		-5,770
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	91,015	$	150,045
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014	2015
	U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%		35.00%	35.00%
	Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.4		0.6	0.6
	Effect of foreign operations	10.1		-7.6	-6
	Change in valuation allowance	0.1		0.9	-22.4
	Deemed dividends from subsidiaries	-4.6		2.8	1.8
	Deduction for domestic production activities	2.4		-	-1.3
	Utilization of foreign tax credits	2.6		-1.7	-1.2
	Branch accounting restructuring	-		-	-6.5
	Change in uncertain tax positions	-		-3.8	-0.6
	Adjustment of prior year balances	-		-2.3	-
	Other, net	-3.8		-1.7	-2.7
	Effective tax rate	43.20%		22.20%	-3.30%
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
	Balance at March 31, 2012	$	13,156
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		1,068
	Additions for tax positions in current period		400
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-12
	Reductions due to expiration of statutes		-38
	Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-372
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	14,202
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		615
	Additions for tax positions in current period		75
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-1,124
	Reductions due to expiration of statutes		-5,521
	Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-164
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	8,083
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		564
	Additions for tax positions in current period		257
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-55
	Reductions due to expiration of statutes		-1,687
	Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities		-386
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	6,776

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		U.S. Plans					International Plans
		2014			2015		2014		2015
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	40,315		$	39,282	$	162,691	$	169,575
	Service cost		466			196		1,017		903
	Interest cost		1,560			1,588		6,902		6,238
	Plan participants' contributions		-			-		85		49
	Actuarial loss (gain)		-1,181			6,036		-8,008		25,376
	Benefits paid		-1,878			-1,859		-6,660		-6,164
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		-			-		13,548		-19,038
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	39,282		$	45,243	$	169,575	$	176,939
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	34,922		$	36,058	$	131,637	$	153,998
	Actual return on assets		3,014			1,401		8,660		21,913
	Employer contributions		-			2,116		9,126		8,074
	Plan participants' contributions		-			-		85		49
	Benefits paid		-1,878			-1,859		-6,660		-6,164
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		-			-		11,150		-16,350
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		36,058			37,716		153,998		161,520
	Funded status	$	-3,224		$	-7,527	$	-15,577	$	-15,419
Schedule of Assumptions Used for Benefit Obligation
		As of March 31,
			2014			2015
	Assumptions:
	Discount rates		1.0-4.5%			0.5-3.5%
	Increase in compensation		3.90%			3.40%
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		U.S. Plans					International Plans
		2014			2015		2014		2015
	Beginning balance	$	14,104		$	10,953	$	52,703	$	45,461
	Net loss (gain) incurred during the year		-2,015			6,844		-9,826		11,391
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		-1,136			-804		-2,613		-1,885
	Amortization of prior service cost		-			-		-		-
	Foreign currency exchange		-			-		5,197		-5,347
		$	10,953		$	16,993	$	45,461	$	49,620
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		U.S. Plans					International Plans
		2014 (1)			2015 (2)		2014 (1)		2015 (2)
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	6,996		$	10,876	$	35,775	$	39,424
	Unamortized prior service cost		-			-		-		-
		$	6,996		$	10,876	$	35,775	$	39,424
	(1) Amounts in the above table as of March 31, 2014 are net of $3,957 and $9,686 tax benefit for the U.S. Plans and for the International Plans, respectively.
	(2) Amounts in the above table as of March 31, 2015 are net of $6,117 and $10,219 tax benefit for the U.S. Plans and for the International Plans, respectively.
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014		2015
	Service cost	$	954		$	1,473	$	1,175
	Interest cost		7,957			8,176		8,361
	Expected return on plan assets		-8,333			-9,022		-10,137
	Amortization of prior service cost		7			-		-
	Recognized actuarial loss		2,563			3,749		2,689
	Net periodic pension cost	$	3,148		$	4,376	$	2,088
Schedule of Assumptions Used for Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
		As of March 31,
			2013			2014		2015
	Assumptions:
	Discount rates		1.0-5.0%			1.0-4.2%		1.0-4.5%
	Increase in compensation		3.80%			3.90%		3.90%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		1.4-7.3%			1.4-7.3%		1.4-7.3%
Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
					Based on
					Quoted prices		Other
					in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at			markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-14			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	U.S. Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
	Cash	$	147		$	147	$	-	$	-
	Pooled Separate Accounts		32,806			-		32,806		-
	Guaranteed Deposit Account		3,105			-		3,105		-
	International Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
	Cash		689			689		-		-
	Depository Account		8,389			8,389		-		-
	Pooled Separate Accounts		144,920			-		144,920		-
	Total	$	190,056		$	9,225	$	180,831	$	-
					Based on
					Quoted prices		Other
					in active		observable		Unobservable
		Fair Value at			markets		inputs		inputs
		31-Mar-15			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	U.S. Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
	Cash	$	148		$	148	$	-	$	-
	Pooled Separate Accounts		28,738			-		28,738		-
	Guaranteed Deposit Account		8,830			-		8,830		-
	International Defined Benefit Plan Assets:
	Cash		362			362		-		-
	Depository Account		7,464			7,464		-		-
	Pooled Separate Accounts		153,694			-		153,694		-
	Total	$	199,236		$	7,974	$	191,262	$	-
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
		As of March 31, 2014				As of March 31, 2015
	Asset Category	U.S. Plans		International Plans		U.S. Plans	International Plans
	Equity securities	51%		43%		56%	42%
	Debt securities	40%		51%		20%	53%
	Other	9%		6%		24%	5%
	Total	100%		100%		100%	100%
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]
	Fiscal Year ended March 31,	U.S. Plans			International Plans
	2016	$	1,952		$	5,856
	2017		2,023			5,982
	2018		2,109			6,106
	2019		2,239			6,234
	2020		2,347			6,360
	2021-2025		12,923			33,712

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Option Activity [Table Text Block]
			Number of Shares	Average Price (a)		Average Life (years) (b)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		4,171	$	13.34	-		-
	Options granted		513		13.32	-		-
	Options exercised		-495		11.47	-	$	1,376
	Options cancelled/forfeited		-607		14.28	-		106
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015		3,582	$	13.45	5.31	$	4,859
	Exercisable at March 31, 2015		2,630	$	13.82	4.26	$	3,064
		(a)	Weighted-average exercise price
		(b)	Weighted-average contractual life remaining
Schedule of Unvested Stock Option Activity
						Number of Shares	Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested balance at March 31, 2014					1,273	$	2.44
	Options granted					513		2.75
	Options cancelled/forfeited					-97		2.50
	Options vested					-737		2.57
	Unvested balance at March 31, 2015					952	$	2.50
Schedule of Stock Option Valuation Assumptions
			2013		2014	2015
			Grants		Grants	Grants
	Expected life (years)		6		6	6
	Interest rate		1.00%		1.00%	2.00%
	Volatility		28%		29%	27%
	Dividend yield		2.80%		3.10%	2.90%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
	Fiscal Year ended March 31,
	2016	$	5,257
	2017		4,105
	2018		3,204
	2019		3,073
	2020		3,047
	Thereafter		1,672

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments
	31-Mar-14	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	548	Accrued expenses	$	332
	31-Mar-15	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	1,090	Accrued expenses	$	864
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative instruments
	31-Mar-14	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	16	Accrued expenses	$	101
	31-Mar-15	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Caption	Fair Value
	Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid and other	$	189	Accrued expenses	$	306

Transactions_with_Affiliate_Ta

Transactions with Affiliate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Transactions With Affiliate [Abstract]
Schedule of related party transactions
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013		2014		2015
	Sales:
	Product and equipment sales to affiliates	$	12,804	$	20,530	$	28,723
	Purchases:
	Purchases of resale inventories, raw materials, supplies, equipment, and services		419,472		322,570		272,679
	Other:
	Dividends paid		36,540		43,544		48,720

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]
Information about reported segments
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
	Sales revenue (in thousands)		2013			2014			2015
	Ceramic Components		$	173,315		$	193,978		$	202,719
	Tantalum Components			330,209			394,119			355,974
	Advanced Components			346,543			357,900			359,315
	Total Passive Components			850,067			945,997			918,008
	KDP and KCD Resale			377,707			293,048			229,869
	KCP Resale Connectors			61,809			64,680			70,741
	Total KED Resale			439,516			357,728			300,610
	Interconnect			124,817			138,879			134,610
	Total Revenue		$	1,414,400		$	1,442,604		$	1,353,228
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014			2015
	Operating profit (loss):
	Passive components	$	145,870		$	165,441		$	217,706
	KED Resale		17,659			18,074			21,010
	Interconnect		25,042			27,689			28,072
	Corporate activities		-308,416			-52,040			-54,039
	Total	$	-119,845		$	159,164		$	212,749
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014			2015
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Passive components	$	34,317		$	32,662		$	29,394
	KED Resale		272			169			104
	Interconnect		5,885			6,863			5,921
	Corporate activities		6,397			10,515			6,795
	Total	$	46,871		$	50,209		$	42,214
					As of March 31,
					2014			2015
	Assets:
	Passive components				$	744,821		$	742,543
	KED Resale					43,872			39,900
	Interconnect					51,012			46,111
	Cash, A/R and S/T and L/T investments					1,107,734			1,182,527
	Goodwill - Passive components					202,774			202,774
	Goodwill - Interconnect					10,277			10,277
	Corporate activities					224,498			234,883
	Total				$	2,384,988		$	2,459,015
		Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2014			2015
	Capital expenditures:
	Passive components	$	29,029		$	22,764		$	21,452
	KED Resale		30			114			4
	Interconnect		12,598			3,269			4,899
	Corporate activities		2,048			658			244
	Total	$	43,705		$	26,805		$	26,599
Net sales and property, plant, and equipment by operations located within particular geographic areas
			Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
			2013			2014			2015
	Net sales:
	Americas		$	390,152		$	404,446		$	402,209
	Europe			351,603			379,183			388,747
	Asia			672,645			658,975			562,272
	Total		$	1,414,400		$	1,442,604		$	1,353,228
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Americas		$	103,177		$	89,086		$	81,787
	Europe			98,279			92,430			68,442
	Asia			56,808			54,209			49,613
	Total		$	258,264		$	235,725		$	199,842

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial1

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
		First Quarter				Second Quarter
		2014		2015		2014		2015
	Net sales	$	369,379	$	350,589	$	375,785	$	365,405
	Gross profit		68,271		85,177		71,525		87,773
	Net income		27,657		40,771		28,816		44,621
	Basic earnings per share		0.16		0.24		0.17		0.27
	Diluted earnings per share		0.16		0.24		0.17		0.27
		Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
		2014		2015		2014		2015
	Net sales	$	346,211	$	321,687	$	351,229	$	315,547
	Gross profit		67,766		78,677		71,272		76,942
	Net income		31,434		38,953		39,130		101,526
	Basic earnings per share		0.19		0.23		0.23		0.60
	Diluted earnings per share		0.19		0.23		0.23		0.60

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount		$12,240
Research and development expenses		11,951	10,514	7,150
Deferred tax assets	4,428	4,428
Amortization expense		5,141	6,478	4,391
Estimated amortization expense, next 12 months	5,032	5,032
Estimated amortization expense, Year 2	5,032	5,032
Estimated amortization expense, Year 3	4,963	4,963
Estimated amortization expense, Year 4	4,886	4,886
Estimated amortization expense, Year 5	4,841	4,841
Estimated amortization expense, after Year 5	37,833	37,833
Depreciation expense		37,073	43,731	42,480
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	10,000	10,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	203	525	799	984
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	8,178	8,178
Treasury Stock, Value	$104,608	$104,608	$103,769
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	4,185	4,185
Kyocera Corporation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage in Entity	72.00%	72.00%
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		31 years 6 months
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		10 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		10 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		3 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount	$98,231	$98,231
Amortized intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-35,644	-30,496
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount	51,000	51,000
Amortized intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-21,250	-18,417
Developed technology and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount	13,231	13,231
Amortized intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-10,994	-10,379
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount	34,000	34,000
Amortized intangible assets, accumulated amortization	($3,400)	($1,700)

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Engineering Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Total engineering expenses [Member]
Engineering expense	$13,439	$15,726	$23,317
Cost of sales [Member]
Engineering expense	13,439	15,726	22,876
Selling, general, and administrative Expenses [Member]
Engineering expense			$441

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								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$101,526	$38,953	$44,621	$40,771	$39,130	$31,434	$28,816	$27,657	$225,871	$127,037	($64,312)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Basic EPS									168,148	168,473	169,124
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$0.60	$0.23	$0.27	$0.24	$0.23	$0.19	$0.17	$0.16	$1.34	$0.75	($0.38)
Effect of stock options									254	185
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used in computing Diluted EPS									168,402	168,658	169,124
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$0.60	$0.23	$0.27	$0.24	$0.23	$0.19	$0.17	$0.16	$1.34	$0.75	($0.38)
Common stock equivalents, not included in the computation of diluted EPS									2,309	2,942	3,847
Dilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share											50

Comprehensive_Income_Comprehen

Comprehensive Income (Comprehensive income (loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Pre-tax	($64,734)	$4,670	($10,249)
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment, Pre-tax	10	1,149	413
Pension liability adjustment, Pre-tax	-9,930	9,791	-18,600
Other Post-employment obligations, Pre-tax	-2,561
Other comprehensive income (loss), Pre-tax	-77,215	15,610	-28,436
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Net of tax	-64,734	4,670	-10,249
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment, Net of tax	-2	933	356
Pension liability adjustment, Net of tax	-7,494	6,854	-13,801
Other post-employment obligation, Net of tax	-2,561
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	($74,791)	$12,457	($23,694)

Comprehensive_Income_Accumulat

Comprehensive Income (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	($13,986)	$50,748
Foreign currency cash flow hedges adjustment	182	184
Pension liability adjustment	-50,300	-42,806
Other post-employment obligations	-2,561
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($66,665)	$8,126

Fair_Value_Measurement_Inputs_

Fair Value (Measurement Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
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	$8,636	[1]	$7,915	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,279	[2]	564	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	9,915		8,479
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	8,636	[1]	7,915	[1]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,170	[2]	433	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	9,806		8,348
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	8,636	[1]	7,915	[1]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	8,636		7,915
Obligation related to assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation program	8,636	[1]	7,915	[1]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	8,636		7,915
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	1,279	[2]	564	[2]
Assets measured at fair value, Total	1,279		564
Foreign currency derivatives	1,170	[2]	433	[2]
Liabilities measured at fair value, Total	$1,170		$433
[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 in the March 31, 2014 and 2015 consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges and gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income.

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Trad

Trade Accounts Receivable (Trade Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross Accounts Receivable - Trade	$209,838	$230,321
Allowances	23,223	23,904
Net Accounts Receivable - Trade	186,615	206,417
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowances	659	410	705	720
Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowances	16,378	17,138	14,771	14,327
Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowances	$6,186	$6,356	$5,486	$7,179

Trade_Accounts_Receivable_Allo

Trade Accounts Receivable (Allowances) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Ending Balance	$23,223	$23,904
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	410	705	720
Charges	704	43	127
Applications	-455	-338	-142
Ending Balance	659	410	705
Stock Rotation And Ship From Stock And Debit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	17,138	14,771	14,327
Charges	33,634	40,676	34,305
Applications	-34,394	-38,309	-33,861
Ending Balance	16,378	17,138	14,771
Sales Returns And Discounts [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6,356	5,486	7,179
Charges	20,524	22,608	18,477
Applications	-20,468	-21,782	-20,129
Translation and other	-226	44	-41
Ending Balance	$6,186	$6,356	$5,486

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property & Equipment [Abstract]
Finished goods	$102,212	$109,053
Work in process	106,627	109,315
Raw materials and supplies	327,073	332,150
Total inventory	$535,912	$550,518

Property_Equipment_Details

Property & Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property & Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$37,461	$43,325
Buildings and improvements	294,577	348,168
Machinery and equipment	1,128,683	1,233,914
Construction in progress	7,216	11,389
Property and equipment	1,467,937	1,636,796
Accumulated depreciation	-1,268,095	-1,401,071
Property and equipment, net	$199,842	$235,725

Financial_Instruments_and_Inve2

Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities (Investments in held-to-maturity securities, recorded at amortized cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Cost	$611,930	$438,615
Gross Unrealized Gains	278	333
Gross Unrealized Losses	-66
Estimated Fair Value	612,142	438,948
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments, Cost	2,517	40,838
Gross Unrealized Gains		75
Estimated Fair Value	2,517	40,913
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments, Cost	34,493
Gross Unrealized Losses	-13
Estimated Fair Value	34,480
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Time Deposits [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments, Cost	424,891	372,777
Gross Unrealized Gains	227	245
Estimated Fair Value	425,118	373,022
Long-Term Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Long-term investment, Cost	150,029	25,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	51	13
Gross Unrealized Losses	-53
Estimated Fair Value	$150,027	$25,013

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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$461,901
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	150,029
Total, Amortized Cost	611,930
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	462,115
Due after one year through five years, Estimated Fair Value	150,027
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value, Total	$612,142	$438,948

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	($71,583)	$7,250	$18,761
Releases	-50,111
Operating Loss Carryforwards	224,104
Amount of U.S. taxes not recognized on undistributed foreign earnings	186,676	180,960
Income Taxes Paid	56,389	27,514	43,920
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1,234	1,155
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	88	-471
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	6,776	8,083
French Subsidiary [Member]
Releases	49,969
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$149,922

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income before Income Taxes, Foreign and Domestic) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income (loss) before income taxes, Domestic	$114,333	$83,837	($192,584)
Income before income taxes, Foreign	104,266	79,520	79,262
Income (loss) before income taxes	$218,599	$163,357	($113,322)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current Federal and State Tax Expense	$27,620	($53,100)	$19,116
Current Foreign Tax Expense	22,189	18,325	9,712
Current Income Tax Expense	49,809	-34,775	28,828
Deferred Federal and State Income Tax Benefit	-5,684	72,028	-81,632
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense	-51,397	-933	3,794
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	-57,081	71,095	-77,838
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	($7,272)	$36,320	($49,010)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current deferred tax asset, Sales and receivable allowances	$8,452	$8,387
Current deferred tax asset, Inventory reserves	14,376	14,530
Current deferred tax asset, Accrued expenses and other	57,881	13,286
Current deferred tax asset, Subtotal	80,709	36,203
Valuation allowances, current	-3,734	-3,780
Total current deferred tax assets	76,975	32,423
Current deferred tax liability, Sales and receivable allowances		50
Current deferred tax liability, Inventory reserves	356	1,320
Current deferred tax liability, Accrued expenses and other	80	112
Current deferred tax liability, Total	436	1,482
Non-current deferred tax asset, Depreciation/amortization	9,928	11,768
Non-current deferred tax asset, Pension obligations	17,348	14,944
Non-current deferred tax asset, Accrued expenses	7,928	50,303
Non-current deferred tax asset, Other, net	4,160	3,017
Non-current deferred tax asset, Net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards	75,746	101,995
Non-current deferred tax asset, Subtotal	115,110	182,027
Valuation allowances, non-current	-23,473	-95,021
Non-current deferred tax assets, Total	91,637	87,006
Non-current deferred tax liability, Depreciation/amortization	10,144	8,618
Foreign branch goodwill amortization		10,454
Non-current deferred tax liability, Pension obligations	7,936	7,824
Non-current deferred tax liability, Other, net	51	36
Non-current deferred tax liability, Subtotal	$18,131	$26,932

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Gross_

Income Taxes (Summary of Gross Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Beginning Balance	$168,612	$119,429
Deferred tax liabilities	-18,567	-28,414
Net deferred income tax assets	$150,045	$91,015

Income_Taxes_Valuation_Allowan

Income Taxes (Valuation Allowance) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Valuation allowance beginning balance	$98,801	$91,541	$72,781
Charged to costs and expenses	-1,910	1,227	3,651
Additions			19,479
Releases	-50,111
Translation and other	-19,573	6,033	-4,370
Valuation allowance ending balance	$27,207	$98,801	$91,541

Income_Taxes_Balance_Sheet_Pre

Income Taxes (Balance Sheet Presentation of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current deferred tax assets	$76,963	$31,896
Current deferred tax liabilities	-424	-952
Non-current deferred tax assets	79,276	65,524
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	-5,770	-5,453
Net deferred income tax assets	$150,045	$91,015

Income_Taxes_Tax_Rate_Reconcil

Income Taxes (Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	0.60%	0.60%	1.40%
Effect of foreign operations	-6.00%	-7.60%	10.10%
Change in valuation allowance	-22.40%	0.90%	0.10%
Deemed dividends from subsidiaries	1.80%	2.80%	-4.60%
Deduction for domestic production activities	-1.30%		2.40%
Utilization of foreign tax credits	-1.20%	-1.70%	2.60%
Branch accounting restructuring	-6.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	-2.70%	-1.70%	-3.80%
Other, net	-2.70%	-1.70%	-3.80%
Change in uncertain tax positions	-0.60%	-3.80%
Adjustment of prior year balances		-2.30%
Effective tax rate	-3.30%	22.20%	43.20%

Income_Taxes_Scheduled_of_Unce

Income Taxes (Scheduled of Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	$8,083	$14,202	$13,156
Additions for tax positions of prior years	564	615	1,068
Additions for tax positions in current period	257	75	-400
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-55	-1,124	-12
Reduction due to expiration of statutes	-1,687	-5,521	-38
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities	-386	-164	-372
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$6,776	$8,083	$14,202

Pension_Plans_Narrative_Detail

Pension Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Change in recorded pension liabilities due to the change in funded status	$4,145		$17,646
Accumulated benefit obligation	222,076		208,767
The change in the range of discount rates used in calculating net periodic pension cost	0.30%
Contributions to defined contribution savings plans	4,000		4,074		4,145
Assets Held In The Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Program Fair Value Disclosure	8,636	[1]	7,915	[1]
U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized net actuarial losses expected to be amortized in fiscal 2014	1,551
U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
International Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized net actuarial losses expected to be amortized in fiscal 2014	2,119
Expected contributions to defined benefit plans in the next fiscal year	$7,200
International Plans [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	45.00%
International Plans [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	55.00%
[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.

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Bene

Pension Plans (Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Change in benefit obligation:
Service cost	$1,175	$1,473	$954
Interest cost	8,361	8,176	7,957
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	190,056
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	199,236	190,056
U.S. Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	39,282	40,315
Service cost	196	466
Interest cost	1,588	1,560
Actuarial loss	6,036	-1,181
Benefits paid	-1,859	-1,878
Benefit obligation at end of year	45,243	39,282
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	36,058	34,922
Actual return on assets	1,401	3,014
Employer contributions	2,116
Benefits paid	-1,859	-1,878
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	37,716	36,058
Funded status	-7,527	-3,224
International Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	169,575	162,691
Service cost	903	1,017
Interest cost	6,238	6,902
Plan participants' contributions	49	85
Actuarial loss	25,376	-8,008
Benefits paid	-6,164	-6,660
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-19,038	13,548
Benefit obligation at end of year	176,939	169,575
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	153,998	131,637
Actual return on assets	21,913	8,660
Employer contributions	8,074	9,126
Plan participants' contributions	49	85
Benefits paid	-6,164	-6,660
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-16,350	11,150
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	161,520	153,998
Funded status	($15,419)	($15,577)

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Assu

Pension Plans (Schedule of Assumptions Used for Benefit Obligation) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Minimum discount rate	0.50%	1.00%
Maximum discount rate	3.50%	4.50%
Increase in compensation	3.40%	3.90%

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Amou

Pension Plans (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
U.S. Plans [Member]
Beginning balance	$10,953	$14,104
Net loss incurred during the year	6,844	-2,015
Amortization of net loss	-804	-1,136
Ending balance	16,993	10,953
International Plans [Member]
Beginning balance	45,461	52,703
Net loss incurred during the year	11,391	-9,826
Amortization of net loss	-1,885	-2,613
Exchange	-5,347	5,197
Ending balance	$49,620	$45,461

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Peri

Pension Plans (Schedule of Periodic Pension Costs Not Yet Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax, Total	$50,300		$42,806
U.S. Plans [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	10,876	[1]	6,996	[2]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax, Total	10,876	[1]	6,996	[2]
Tax benefit recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	6,117		3,957
International Plans [Member]
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	39,424	[1]	35,775	[2]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax, Total	39,424	[1]	35,775	[2]
Tax benefit recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$10,219		$9,686
[1]	Amounts in the above table as of March 31, 2015 are net of $6,117 and $10,219 tax benefit for the U.S. Plans and for the International Plans, respectively.
[2]	Amounts in the above table as of March 31, 2014 are net of $3,957 and $9,686 tax benefit for the U.S. Plans and for the International Plans, respectively.

Pension_Plans_Net_Periodic_Pen

Pension Plans (Net Periodic Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Service cost	$1,175	$1,473	$954
Interest cost	8,361	8,176	7,957
Expected return on plan assets	-10,137	-9,022	-8,333
Amortization of prior service cost			7
Recognized actuarial loss	2,689	3,749	2,563
Net periodic pension cost	$2,088	$4,376	$3,148

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Assu1

Pension Plans (Schedule of Assumptions Used for Benefit Costs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Minimum discount rates	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Maximum discount rates	4.50%	4.20%	-5.00%
Increase in compensation	3.90%	3.90%	3.80%
Minimum expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	1.40%	1.40%	1.40%
Maximum expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.30%	7.30%	-7.30%

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Fair

Pension Plans (Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value of plan assets	$199,236	$190,056
Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	7,974	9,225
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	191,262	180,831
U.S. Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	37,716	36,058	34,922
International Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	161,520	153,998	131,637
Cash [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	148	147
Cash [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	148	147
Cash [Member] | International Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	362	689
Cash [Member] | International Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	362	689
Pooled Separate Accounts [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	28,738	32,806
Pooled Separate Accounts [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	28,738	32,806
Pooled Separate Accounts [Member] | International Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	153,694	144,920
Pooled Separate Accounts [Member] | International Plans [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	153,694	144,920
Guaranteed Deposit Account [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	8,830	3,105
Guaranteed Deposit Account [Member] | U.S. Plans [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	8,830	3,105
Depository Account [Member] | International Plans [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	7,464	8,389
Depository Account [Member] | International Plans [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	$7,464	$8,389

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Allo

Pension Plans (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
U.S. Plans [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	56.00%	51.00%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	20.00%	40.00%
U.S. Plans [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	24.00%	9.00%
International Plans [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
International Plans [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	42.00%	43.00%
International Plans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	53.00%	51.00%
International Plans [Member] | Other Plan Assets [Member]
Actual plan asset allocations	5.00%	6.00%

Pension_Plans_Schedule_of_Esti

Pension Plans (Schedule of Estimated Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
U.S. Plans [Member]
2016	$1,952
2017	2,023
2018	2,109
2019	2,239
2020	2,347
2020-2025	12,923
International Plans [Member]
2016	5,856
2017	5,982
2018	6,106
2019	6,234
2020	6,360
2020-2025	$33,712

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance	21,435
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$1,376	$654	$27
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards	778	842
Vesting period over which unrecognized compensation costs are expected to be recognized	4 years
Aggregate fair value of options vested	1,894	1,365	1,552
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$2.75	$2.25	$2.09
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	957
Tax benefit of stock compensation expense	$515
Forfeiture rate	7.30%
Expected life	6 years	6 years	6 years
1995 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	9,300
Annual vesting percentage	25.00%
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	650
2004 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	1,000
2004 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	10,000
Annual vesting percentage	25.00%
2014 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual vesting percentage	25.00%
2014 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	1,000
Annual vesting percentage	33.00%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life	10 years

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched

Stock Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding at March 31, 2014	4,171
Number of options granted	513
Number of options exercised	-495
Number of options cancelled/forfeited	-607
Number of options outstanding at March 31, 2015	3,582	4,171
Number of options exercisable	2,630
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding at March 31, 2014	$13.34
Weighted average exercise price of options granted	$13.32
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised	$11.47
Weighted average exercise price of options cancelled/forfeited	$14.28
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding at March 31, 2015	$13.45	$13.34
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable	$13.82
Average life (years) of options outstanding	5 years 3 months 22 days
Average life (years) of options exercisable	4 years 3 months 4 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$1,376	$654	$27
Aggregate instrinsic value of options cancelled/forfeited	106
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	4,859
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$3,064

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched1

Stock Based Compensation (Schedule of Unvested Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of unvested options, beginning balance	1,273
Number of options granted	513
Number of options forfeited	-97
Number of options vested	-737
Number of unvested options, ending balance	952	1,273
Weighted average grant date fair value of unvested options, beginning balance	$2.44
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$2.75	$2.25	$2.09
Weighted average grant date fair value of options forfeited	$2.50
Weighted average grant date fair value of options vested	$2.57
Weighted average grant date fair value of unvested options, ending balance	$2.50	$2.44

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched2

Stock Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Option Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life	6 years	6 years	6 years
Interest rate	2.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Volatility	27.00%	29.00%	28.00%
Dividend yield	2.90%	3.10%	2.80%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated future remediation costs	$122,083
Environmental reserves	138,146	135,336
Site Contingency, Accrual, Present Value	11,845
Environmental reserves classified as accrued expenses	127,246	4,354
Environmental reserves classified as other non-current liabilities	10,900	130,983
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	6,759	7,333	7,382
Environmental charges			266,250
Damages from Contamination at New Bedford Railyard [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	11,000
Unilateral Administrative Order [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Site Contingency, Timing of Disbursements	2 years
Site Contingency, Number of Disbursements	3
Litigation Settlement, Expense				110,817	133,350
Litigation Settlement Interest				822	3,954
Site Contingency, Accrual, Present Value	366,250
Damages From Certain Pollutants From Company Property [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental reserves	$1,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Future minimum lease commitments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
2016	$5,257
2017	4,105
2018	3,204
2019	3,073
2020	3,047
Thereafter	$1,672

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract maximum maturity term	4 months
Net pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in OCI	($2,133)	($3,567)	($4,432)
Hedging contract gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense)	-4,392	-3,462	-227
Exchange losses recognized in other income	5,006	4,035	1,022
Outstanding foreign exchange contracts	205,911	202,865
Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net pre-tax gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income	-11,040	-5,140	-7,448
Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net pre-tax gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income	$8,725	$509	($2,971)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid And Other [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$1,090	$548
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	864	332
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid And Other [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	189	16
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$306	$101

Transactions_with_Affiliate_De

Transactions with Affiliate (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Sales (product and equipment sales to affiliates)									$28,723	$20,530	$12,804
Purchases (puchases of resale inventories, raw materials, supplies, equipment, and services)									272,679	322,570	419,472
Other (dividends paid)									48,720	43,544	36,540
Net sales	315,547	321,687	365,405	350,589	351,229	346,211	375,785	369,379	1,353,228	1,442,604	1,414,400
Gross profit	76,942	78,677	87,773	85,177	71,272	67,766	71,525	68,271	328,569	278,834	263,770
Kyocera [Member]
Net sales									47,513	43,858	41,314
Gross profit									$1,944	$2,720	$2,591

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	13.00%
Accounts Receivable Balance Major Customer Percentage	15.00%

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, net sales) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$315,547	$321,687	$365,405	$350,589	$351,229	$346,211	$375,785	$369,379	$1,353,228	$1,442,604	$1,414,400
Passive Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									918,008	945,997	850,067
Ceramic Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									202,719	193,978	173,315
Tantalum Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									355,974	394,119	330,209
Advanced Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									359,315	357,900	346,543
KED Resale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									300,610	357,728	439,516
KDP And KCD Resale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									229,869	293,048	377,707
KCP Resale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									70,741	64,680	61,809
Interconnect [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$134,610	$138,879	$124,817

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa4

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, operating profit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	$212,749	$159,164	($119,845)
Passive Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	217,706	165,441	145,870
KED Resale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	21,010	18,074	17,659
Interconnect [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	28,072	27,689	25,042
Corporate Administration [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	($54,039)	($52,040)	($308,416)

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa5

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, depreciation and amortization) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$42,214	$50,209	$46,871
Passive Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	29,394	32,662	34,317
KED Resale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	104	169	272
Interconnect [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	5,921	6,863	5,885
Corporate Administration [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$6,795	$10,515	$6,397

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa6

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$2,459,015	$2,384,988
Passive Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	742,543	744,821
Cash A/R And Investments In Securities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,182,527	1,107,734
KED Resale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	39,900	43,872
Goodwill - Passive Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	202,774	202,774
Interconnect [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	46,111	51,012
Goodwill - Interconnect [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	10,277	10,277
Corporate Administration [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$234,883	$224,498

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa7

Segment and Geographic Information (Information about reporting segments, capital expenditures) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$26,599	$26,805	$43,705
Passive Components [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	21,452	22,764	29,029
KED Resale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	4	114	30
Interconnect [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	4,899	3,269	12,598
Corporate Administration [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$244	$658	$2,048

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa8

Segment and Geographic Information (Net sales generated by operations located within particular geographic areas) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$315,547	$321,687	$365,405	$350,589	$351,229	$346,211	$375,785	$369,379	$1,353,228	$1,442,604	$1,414,400
Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									402,209	404,446	390,152
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									388,747	379,183	351,603
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									$562,272	$658,975	$672,645

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa9

Segment and Geographic Information (Property, plant, and equipment located within particular geographic areas) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$199,842	$235,725	$258,264
Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, net	81,787	89,086	103,177
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, net	68,442	92,430	98,279
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$49,613	$54,209	$56,808

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial2

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
One-time income tax benefits		$67,153
Quarterly Financial Information Income Taxes Significant Variation EPS	$0.40

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial3

Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$315,547	$321,687	$365,405	$350,589	$351,229	$346,211	$375,785	$369,379	$1,353,228	$1,442,604	$1,414,400
Gross profit	76,942	78,677	87,773	85,177	71,272	67,766	71,525	68,271	328,569	278,834	263,770
Net income (loss)	$101,526	$38,953	$44,621	$40,771	$39,130	$31,434	$28,816	$27,657	$225,871	$127,037	($64,312)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$0.60	$0.23	$0.27	$0.24	$0.23	$0.19	$0.17	$0.16	$1.34	$0.75	($0.38)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$0.60	$0.23	$0.27	$0.24	$0.23	$0.19	$0.17	$0.16	$1.34	$0.75	($0.38)

Subsequent_Event_Narrative_Det

Subsequent Event (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Dividends declared, dividend per share		$0.41	$0.37	$0.31
Dividends payable, date of record	5-Jun-15
Dividends payable, date to be paid	19-Jun-15
Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends declared, dividend per share	0.105
Dividends payable, date declared	14-May-15