Segment and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 item	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information
Number of business groups	2
Segment and geographic information
Net sales	$ 202,723	$ 223,632
Operating income (loss)	(19,958)	(4,045)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	13,731	11,656
Restructuring charges included in Operating income (loss)
Restructuring charges	4,610	1,264
Assets
Total assets	881,170		911,591
North and South America ("Americas")
Segment and geographic information
Net sales	59,570	60,485
Europe, Middle East, Africa ("EMEA")
Segment and geographic information
Net sales	73,041	79,385
Asia and Pacific Rim ("APAC")
Segment and geographic information
Net sales	70,112	83,762
Solid Capacitors
Segment and geographic information
Number of manufacturing sites	10
Net sales	149,401	160,744
Operating income (loss)	12,808	25,518
Depreciation and amortization expenses	7,310	7,191
Restructuring charges included in Operating income (loss)
Restructuring charges	3,045	142
Assets
Total assets	497,165		517,024
Film and Electrolytic
Segment and geographic information
Number of manufacturing sites	14
Net sales	53,322	62,888
Operating income (loss)	(8,043)	(6,208)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	4,507	3,449
Restructuring charges included in Operating income (loss)
Restructuring charges	1,410	1,122
Assets
Total assets	304,708		308,751
Unallocated
Segment and geographic information
Operating income (loss)	(24,723)	(23,355)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	1,914	1,016
Corporate
Restructuring charges included in Operating income (loss)
Restructuring charges	155
Assets
Total assets	$ 79,297		$ 85,816