CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (15,597)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (87,002)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 24,712us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Currency translation adjustment	(12,514)	4,084	(2,802)
Pension prior service credit (cost) and net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of $186 in 2015, $(306) in 2014 and $1,229 in 2013	(15,546)	13,007	(13,717)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(28,060)	17,091	(16,519)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(43,657)	(69,911)	8,193
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(172)	(343)	699
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alliance One International, Inc.	$ (43,485)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ (69,568)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 7,494us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of (increase) decrease in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

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