Investment in NEC TOKIN (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in NEC TOKIN	$ 46,419	$ 52,738
NEC TOKIN
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in NEC TOKIN	46,419	52,738
Purchase price accounting basis adjustment:
Property, plant and equipment	7,325	21,593
Technology	(16,261)	(18,000)
Long-term debt	(4,754)	(5,824)
Goodwill	(9,326)	(9,326)
Other	(952)	(3,825)
KEMET's 34% interest of NEC TOKIN's equity	$ 22,451	$ 37,356