Inventories

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventory Disclosure Text Block

3.       Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,		March 31,
	2011		2011
At cost - FIFO basis:
Raw materials	$	51,563	$	44,769
Work-in-process		16,209		15,175
Finished goods		56,238		47,329
		124,010		107,273
LIFO cost less than FIFO cost		(19,722)		(17,242)
Net inventories	$	104,288	$	90,031

An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these are subject to many factors beyond management's control, estimated interim results are subject to change in the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.