STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales and other operating revenues	$ 2,243,816		$ 2,150,767		$ 2,094,062
Cost of goods and services sold	1,958,570		1,863,115		1,817,243
Gross profit	285,246		287,652		276,819
Selling, general and administrative expenses	145,750		147,558		157,920
Other income	20,721		15,725		37,442
Restructuring and asset impairment charges (recoveries)	(55)		1,006		23,467
Operating income	160,272		154,813		132,874
Debt retirement expense	1,195		0		4,584
Interest expense	114,557		106,804		102,696
Interest income	6,547		6,149		7,255
Income before income taxes and other items	51,067		54,158		32,849
Income tax expense	27,992		25,039		107,460
Equity in net income of investee companies	1,637		72		2,463
Net income (loss)	24,712		29,191		(72,148)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	699		(260)		(597)
Net income (loss) attributable to Alliance One International, Inc.	$ 24,013		$ 29,451		$ (71,551)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 0.27	[1]	$ 0.34	[1]	$ (0.81)
Diluted	$ 0.25	[1]	$ 0.30	[1]	$ (0.81)

[1] Does not add due to quarterly change in average shares outstanding