Accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 of 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment – net of tax	$ (30,364)	$ (20,985)
Pension liability – net of tax	(61,936)	(71,389)
Postretirement obligations – net of tax	888	364
Split-dollar life insurance arrangements – net of tax	(1,668)	(1,799)
Derivatives qualifying as hedges – net of tax	(5,078)	(1,564)
Net unrealized investment gain – net of tax	694	626
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (97,464)	$ (94,747)