Investment in NEC TOKIN (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Adjustments:
Equity Loss from NEC TOKIN	$ (7,090)	$ (1,254)	$ 0
NEC TOKIN
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
NEC TOKIN net Loss	(42,937)	(2,216)
KEMET's equity ownership %	34.00%	34.00%
Equity loss from NEC TOKIN before Adjustments	(14,599)	(753)
Adjustments:
Amortization and depreciation	(1,390)	(247)
Gain on sale of long-lived assets adjustment	(5,998)	0
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets adjustment	14,643	0
Inventory valuation adjustment	254	(254)
Equity Loss from NEC TOKIN	$ (7,090)	$ (1,254)